LESSON 12

ON
SUFFERING
Presented By: Mr. Ernesto Arcenas
Welcome, students!
 TODAY'S
OBJECTIVES
1 Discuss philosophical views Explain how suffering defines
3
regarding the nature of human existence.
human suffering.

2 4
Discuss how a person Express support for
can effectively deal people who are
with suffering and experiencing trials in
challenges in life. life.
 WHAT IS
SUFFERING?
SUFFERINGS
It refers to an experience of
unpleasantness, discomfort, and
pain. Suffering is often associated
with threats to human existence or
the lack of pleasure or happiness
in life.
 2 Types of Sufferings
PHYSICAL M E N TA L
Suffering Suffering
It refers to physical
It is associated with
sensations such as
emotional and mental
discomfort, hunger,
states such as depression,
distress and pain. Physical
anxiety, fear, loneliness,
suffering is often caused
and grief.
by injury, disease, and the
lack of basic needs.
Suffering can also be caused by the
conflict between one’s notion of a
“perfect world” and the actual state
of the world he or she lives in,
leading to feelings of anxiety,
uncertainty and dread.
 Philosophers have come up with
various terms to define this condition.
· Weltschmerz
Its the term used to refer to man’s
realization that the world can never
live up to the ideal, “perfect world”,
resulting to feelings of sadness or
apathy.
Angst
Refers to fear and anxiety, and
philosophers relate this feeling to
existential dread.
·
· Existential Dread
A crisis brought about when a person
begins to question his or her purpose and
reason for being.
Ennui
Is the feeling of weariness and
discontent brought about by a lack of
interest or intense boredom with the
world.
·
 What is existential dread?

the idea is that life is pointless
because of all the boundaries
and limitations, compounded
by death, which is inevitable
regardless of what you
accomplish. These feelings
occur to all adults at some
point and also have various
triggers.  • Rejection and changes in identity
Some include:
• Unwanted life transitions, such as
aging
• Feelings of being in a standstill
with little to no progress
• Traumatic and life-changing
experiences
• Pandemics and other large-scale
crises
• Loss of a loved one
Philosophical investigations
into the nature of human
suffering have yielded various
insights into the nature of
human existence, and the role
of suffering and adversity play
in shaping human experience.
W H AT R O L E D O E S
S U F F E R I N G P L AY
IN HUMAN LIFE?
Two Major Philosophical
Views Regarding
Human Suffering
 First View
Considers suffering as an undesirable human condition, and that humans
naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain.
·
Pessimistic view
View which believes that human existence is characterized by
suffering caused by man’s inability to meet his unlimited wants and desires.

Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer

·

proposed a view of a world controlled by chaotic

forces that bring about human suffering.
Schopenhauer believes that man is able to address the chaos and suffering
in the world by focusing on aesthetics and morality. Mostly influenced by
Eastern philosophy (Buddhism)

Buddhist Philosophy - S U F F E R I N G A S A D E F I N I N G F E AT U R E O F
HUMAN EXISTENCE.

-HUMAN SUFFERING IS CAUSED BY DESIRE, AND

Four Noble Truths T H AT S U F F E R I N G W I L L O N LY E N D T H R O U G H T H E
E L I M I N AT I O N O F W O R L D LY D E S I R E S .

- S U F F E R I N G I S C L O S E LY T I E D T O S P I R I T U A L
Hinduism P R O G R E S S A N D T H AT A L L S U F F E R I N G E N D S
W H E N A P E R S O N AT TA I N S E N L I G H T E N M E N T.
 Second View
Suffering is necessary to human existence. Suffering is essential because it defines
human existence. Without it, man is unable to grow and improve, and his positive
experiences lose meaning and significance.

Friedrich Nietzsche
G e o r g e Sefler
·
For him, suffering and happiness go hand-in-hand in
defining a person’s views on his life’s experiences, and a
balance between positive and negative experiences will
result in a well- adjusted, functional person.

He believes that suffering is inevitable, and that

man is meant to suffer. He also views suffering as a
test of a person’s worth.
 THE SUFFERING ACCORDING
TO THE THEOLOGIANS

Theologians Theodicy
Pondered on the concept of human suffering and The philosophical branch which tries to reconcile
related it to God's providence the existence of a benevolent, all-good God with
the reality of suffering in the world

Irenaeus of Lyons Origen

Early theologian who believe that the suffering is Considers the world as " a school and hospital
a consequence of free will, and that it is for souls " where suffering plays a role in
necessary to achieve moral perfection. educating and healing the person
I N C H R I S T I A N T H E O L O G Y,
CONSIDERS SUFFERING AS
A MEANS TO ACHIEVE A
HIGHER MEANING
IN LIFE.
DISCUSS
1. Which viewpoint regarding human
suffering is most acceptable to you?

2. Were there instances in your life when

adversities or negative experiences
benefited you as a person?

3. Do you believe that suffering is part of

God’s plan in our lives?
 ACTIVITY: TIME TO REFLECT
Reflect on the philosophical views and relate them
to your experiences of dealing with
difficulties in life.
Explain how your chosen view can help you surmount the
difficulties and challenges you currently face.
 HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STRESS, ANXIETY,
AND DISAPPOINTMENT IN YOUR WHOLE
LIFE?
WHAT ARE THE WAYS IN COPING WITH THESE
LIFE'S ADVERSITIES?
WHAT IS
IT REFERS to THE MEANS
T H AT A P E R S O N E M P L O Y S I N
D E A L I N G W I T H D I F F I C U LT

COPING? L I F E S I T U AT I O N S , A N D
I N V O LV E S A C O N S C I O U S
E F F O RT T O S O LV E P E R S O N A L
AND INTERPERSONAL
PROBLEMS.
Views of Various Philosophers in
Dealing with Suffering

The Epicureans Stoic

believes that suffering can be believes that one must face

avoided by seeking only the difficulties in life with fortitude
pleasurable things in life and and patience.
avoiding those that cause harm or
pain
 U T I L I TA R I A N
PHILOSOPHERS
They
Theologi suggest that in order toTheodicy
alleviate
suffering in the world, people should focus on
ans
actions that are beneficial to society. This is
supported by humanitarianism - which
believes that the purpose of a person's
existence is to make other people happy.
 Sources of Supports in Times
of Difficulties/Suffering
FA M I LY PEER GROUP RELIGIOUS
GROUPs
 A person is able to deal with stress
and difficulties better if he/she knows
that people around him or her are
willing and able to lend their support.
Thank you
for
listening!