Video - Vanished World: Exploring Meaning and Morality in Absolute Solitude

Imagine waking up one day and discovering that everyone has vanished—every individual, animal, and even the slightest noise. You are utterly alone in the universe. This isn't the plot of a sci-fi thriller, but a thought experiment in existential philosophy known as the "Last Person" scenario. What happens to our concept of 'meaning' and 'morality' in such isolation? Various philosophers have wrestled with this: Jean-Paul Sartre would argue that such radical solitude forces an individual to face the burden of absolute freedom and responsibility, while Friedrich Nietzsche might say that without societal constraints, one could fully embrace the idea of the Übermensch, creating one's own values in the void. Hannah Arendt, however, would likely highlight the inherent social nature of human existence, suggesting that true isolation strips life of its essence. As we navigate these perspectives, it becomes clear that meaning and morality, often grounded in our interactions and shared experiences, are severely tested in absolute solitude. This thought experiment underscores the profoundly relational aspects of human life, indicating that perhaps, true meaning arises not in isolation, but in our connections with others.