In This Selection Nagel Reflects on the Sense of Absurdity

question 12

True/False

In this selection Nagel reflects on the sense of absurdity that most of us feel from time to time. The sense of absurdity arises, he says, from the "collision between the seriousness with which we take our lives and the perpetual possibility of regarding everything about which we are serious as arbitrary, or open to doubt." Nagel thinks that Camus's response to the absurd (defiance or scorn) is inappropriate; it's "romantic and slightly self-pitying." He prefers instead to approach the absurd with acceptance, with irony instead of heroism or despair.
-Nagel argues that what makes life absurd is the clash between the seriousness with which we take our lives and the continual possibility of regarding our seriousness as arbitrary or dubious.

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Definitions:

Balance

Consists of mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental components and is attained when each component reaches a state of equilibrium.

Supination

The rotational movement of the forearm so that the palm faces upwards or forwards.

Ankle Joint

The synovial hinge joint that connects the bones of the leg to the foot, allowing for movement such as flexion and extension.

Transfer Belts

Assistive devices used to aid the movement or transfer of patients with limited mobility from one position or place to another.