Volume 5, Number 2

An Existential Approach to 'nothingness': Towards A Global Harmony

  Authors

Charles O. Anebuokhae and Cyrille Ngamen Kouassi Ph. D, Samuel Adegboyega University, Nigeria

  Abstract

The peaceful co-existence of several societies today is fast becoming uncertain. It so appears that there is a falling apart with the possibility of the centre never to hold. This paper posits, that the global peace which is presently under threat is premised on one fundamental and salient factor. This factor as identified in this paper is known as 'nothingness'. Ontologically, 'nothingness' defines the primordial beginning and end of existence. It therefore becomes pathetic that the challenges bedeviling social institutions, religious bodies and the government of various societies, appear to be bi-products of a negative approach and use of the concept. Thus, the paper identifies the concept of 'nothingness' as a sting, if not properly handled could wrought more havoc to mankind. Undoubtedly, there are questions begging for answers from various parts of the continents on the teleos of global uprisings. Questions such as; has peace gone on exile? Why is centre not holding? Why are human induced horrors and disasters now the news of the day? Is man not supposed to plow and not to plunder the earth? and what is the future of humanity? Obviously, one can no longer deny that there seems to be a practical demonstration of "Matthew 24:6-8"(see the Holy Bible). Off course, those of the Christian faith had started tagging the current global trend in conflict as 'signs of the end time'. The obvious however is the scare that man would not through his actions and inactions make faster his end. The position of this paper is that an existential approach to 'nothingness' would help in bringing about social cohesion. The paper unveils that when 'nothingness' is viewed from an existential spectacle, man's inhumanity to man could be eradicated. Starting from the self to the group and institutions, the human person would be given the deserved regard. And man would no longer be seen by another as a means to an end, but rather as an end in itself. The methodology of this paper is analytical, reconstructive and critical. It is our submission from an existential point of view, that if 'NOTHINGNESS' is given its genuine interpretation as we shall see throughout the paper, it would turn out to be that unifying force which would bring peace and harmony to every society.

  Keywords

Existence, Nothingness, Ontology and Harmony.