Nihilism is a philosophical perspective or worldview that asserts the belief in the meaninglessness or lack of inherent value in existence, particularly in regard to traditional beliefs, moral principles, or societal norms. Nihilism often rejects the existence of objective truth, absolute values, or any inherent purpose or meaning in life. It can manifest in various forms, including existential nihilism, which denies any intrinsic meaning to human existence, moral nihilism, which rejects the validity of moral principles or values, and epistemological nihilism, which questions the possibility of knowledge or truth.
Nihilism may arise from existential despair, skepticism, disillusionment, or a rejection of established authority or ideology. Some nihilistic perspectives advocate embracing the absence of meaning as liberating, while others may lead to feelings of nihilistic pessimism, apathy, or nihilistic existential crisis. Despite its bleak outlook, nihilism has been explored and critiqued by various philosophers, writers, and thinkers throughout history, contributing to discussions about the nature of reality, morality, and human existence. (Source: CGPT)