Nagel Says, "Another Inadequate Argument Is That Because We Are

question 130

Essay

Nagel says, "Another inadequate argument is that because we are going to die, all chains of justification must leave off in mid-air: one studies and works to earn money to pay for clothing, housing, entertainment, food, to sustain oneself from year to year, perhaps to support a family and pursue a career-but to what final end? All of it is an elaborate journey leading nowhere." Why does Nagel think that the argument is inadequate?

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Definitions:

Present Value

Today's value of a future sum of money or sequence of cash flows, calculated based on an agreed-upon rate of return.

Annual Rate

The interest rate for a period of one year, often used to compare the return on investments or the interest cost on loans.

Actuarial Information

Data used by actuaries to calculate and manage risk and uncertainty, often in the insurance and finance industries.

Bond Issuance

The process through which an issuer creates a financial obligation (bond) that must be repaid to investors at a later date.