Phillip

Tolstoy’s Dilemma

A crisis questioning the relevance of achievement in light of suffering and death.

False Comforts

Sources of supposed meaning (family, art, knowledge, philosophy) that are dismissed as inadequate.

Limits of Rational Knowledge

Rationality fails to provide satisfactory answers to life's ultimate questions, leading Tolstoy to seek faith.

Axiological Meaning (AM)

Pertains to value within the context of meaning.

Teleological Meaning (TM)

Pertains to purpose within the context of meaning.

Complete Meaning (CM)

A combination of both Axiological and Teleological meanings.

Imitation of Christ

Living like Christ to attain purpose, countering the problem of death with hope in an afterlife.

Divine-Human Relationship

Fackenheim explores the mutual responsibilities between humans and the divine.

Suffering (Dukkha)

The central theme in Buddhism, explained through the First and Second Noble Truths.

Nirvana (Nibbāna)

The cessation of suffering and the goal of spiritual practice in Buddhism.

Eightfold Path

The path leading to the cessation of suffering in Buddhism, which includes wisdom, morality, and meditation.

Fear and Trembling

A work by Søren Kierkegaard exploring themes of faith, ethics, and the paradox of Abraham's obedience.

Infinite Resignation

The act of giving something up for a higher truth, seen as a preparatory step toward true faith.

Knight of Faith

A figure who lives in faith, accepting the absurd while trusting in divine assurance.

Teleological Suspension of the Ethical

The idea that a higher purpose can justify suspending universal ethical norms.

Ethics vs. Faith

Kierkegaard explores the conflict between ethical duties and duties to God, highlighting Abraham's unique predicament.

Abraham's Silence

Abraham’s inability to explain his command signifies his deep personal and non-communicable faith.

Suffering and Pleasure

The idea that what we often perceive as pleasure is primarily a diminishment of pain.

Three Core Practices in Buddhism

Morality, Concentration, and Wisdom, which are fundamental to achieving enlightenment.

The Four Noble Truths

The core beliefs in Buddhism outlining suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

Philosophical Resolution

Kierkegaard’s conclusion that faith may demand a suspension of ethics for a higher divine purpose.

Moral Conflict

The tension between ethical living and achieving a meaningful life, as seen in Kierkegaard's philosophy.

Compassion

A cornerstone of well-being emphasized by the Dalai Lama, which is essential for personal and communal happiness.

Philosophy of Happiness

The distinction between external/material happiness and internal/mental happiness in Buddhist teachings.

Wise Selfishness

The idea that helping others ultimately benefits oneself.

Kierkegaard’s Existentialism

Exploration of faith's demands against rational doubt, presented through the narrative of Abraham.