philechat

1) Where do you believe we came from?

I think it's the peculiar mathematical structure of the protein, which gave us the strange cluster of electrical impulses called consciousness, and made us in turns wonder about the question of our existence.

2) What is our human nature?(i.e. totally depraved, naturally good, clean slate, etc.)

Everyone is different. Reason for the difference is part genetic and part environmental influences. Experience (including choices) and inborn brain structure shapes character and "frame of reference" called consciousness.

3) What is the purpose of one's existence?

Existence is brute fact. If we did not exist we would not ask the question. It is unreasonable to ask the universe for the purpose of our life, for the universe itself is without purpose (at least not human purpose) and does not exist for the sake of humanity.

4) How should one live? (basically asking... what is a moral life... and should one live a moral life?)

Morality is dependent on values, determined by one's character and experience. There is no objective morals, only human goals and ideals. One should work for his/her ideals in this life for there's no guerantee for a better life "somewhere out there" as most religious people believe.

5) Where happens after death?

No idea. But most likely not heaven/hell which sounds too much like a projection of human selfishness and resentment.

[ June 21, 2002: Message edited by: philechat ]</p>

tronvillain

Palus:
1) Where do you believe we came from?

Depends on how far you want to go back, but I see no reason to resort to a supernatural explanation.

2) What is our human nature?(i.e. totally depraved, naturally good, clean slate, etc.)

Well, it's human, I can tell you that much. There is nothing that can really be identified as "human nature" - all we can do is examine the complex interplay of nature and nurture. Overall, we're not too bad though.

3) What is the purpose of one's existence?

Uh, just do whatever seems best at the time I suppose.

4) How should one live? (basically asking... what is a moral life... and should one live a moral life?)

I think that I've already covered this: just do whatever seems best at the time.

5) Where happens after death?

As far as I can tell, pretty much nothing.