SUFFERING
What is suffering?
Suffering refers to an experience of
unpleasantness, discomfort, and pain.
Suffering is often associated with
threats to human existence or lack of
pleasure or happiness in life.
What are the two types of suffering?
Physical suffering refers to physical
sensations such as discomfort,
hunger, distress, and pain.
Physical suffering is often caused by
injury, disease, and the lack of basic
needs.
What are the two types of suffering?
Mental suffering is associated with
emotional and mental states such as
depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness,
and grief.
Mental suffering may be caused by
unexpected situations in life such as
sudden changes in lifestyle, loss of
employment, stressful situations, and
grief by the death of a loved one.
Three various terms that define suffering?
Weltschmerz is a term used to refer
to man’s realization that the world
can never live up to the ideal, “perfect
world”.
Weltschmerz will result to sadness
and apathy.
Three various terms that define suffering?
Angst refers to fear and anxiety, and
philosophers relate this feeling to
existential dread.
Existential dread is a crisis brought
about when a person begins to
question his or her purpose and
reaction for being.
Three various terms that define suffering?
Ennui is the feeling of weariness and
discontent brought about by a lack of
interest or intense boredom with the
world.
What role does suffering
play in human life?
1. The first view considers suffering
as an undesirable human condition,
and that humans naturally seek
pleasure and avoid pain.
2. The second view states that
suffering is necessary to human
existence. Suffering is essential
because it defines human existence.
What role does suffering
play in human life?
1. The first view considers suffering
as an undesirable human condition,
and that humans naturally seek
pleasure and avoid pain.
1.1 The ancient Greek philosophers
believed that suffering can be
avoided by seeking pleasurable
things or activities, or through the
exercise of self-control.
What role does suffering
play in human life?
2. The second view states that
suffering is necessary to human
existence. Suffering is essential
because it defines human existence.
2.1 Without suffering, man is unable
to grow and improve, and his positive
experiences lose meaning and
significance.
What role does suffering
play in human life?
1.2 Arthur Schopenhauer proposed a
view of a world controlled by a
chaotic forces that bring about human
suffering.
He called this pessimistic view which
believes that human existence is
characterized by suffering caused by
man’s inability to meet his unlimited
wants and desires.
What role does suffering
play in human life?
Schopenhauer believes, however,
that man is able to address the chaos
and suffering in the world by focusing
on aesthetics and morality.
Man must strive to maintain beauty,
order, and righteousness
in this world.
What role does suffering
play in human life?
Friedrich Nietzsche believes that
suffering is inevitable, and that man is
meant to suffer.
He also views suffering as a test of a
person’s worth.
It can be beneficial and can result in
personal growth and development.
George Sefler’s view
George Sefler believes that suffering
and happiness go hand-in-hand in
defining a person’s views on his/her
life’s experiences.
It is a balance between positive and
negative experiences will result in a
well-adjusted, functional person.
Theologians view about suffering
Theodicy is the philosophical branch
which tries to reconcile the existence
of a benevolent, all-good God with
the reality of suffering in the world.
Irenaeus of Lyons believe that suffering
is a consequence of free will, and
that it is necessary to achieve
moral perfection.
achieve moral perfection
Theologians view about suffering
Origen considers the world as “a school
and hospital for souls” where suffering
plays a role in educating and healing
the person.
Christian theology considers suffering as
a means to achieve a higher meaning in
life. Christ’s suffering, in particular, is
considered highly significant to God’s
plan for humankind’s salvation.
How should one face suffering
and adversities in life?
Coping refers to the means that a
person employs in dealing with
difficult life situations, and involves
a conscious effort to solve
personal and interpersonal
problems.
How should one face suffering
and adversities in life?
Coping can be done through various means.
It can range from positive means such as
anticipating and preparing for stress, seeking
support from other people.
Positive means like physical activity,
relaxation, constructive emotional
release, and humor.
Negative means like withdrawal, avoidance,
and escapism.
How should one face suffering
and adversities in life?
Epicureans believe that suffering can be
avoided by seeking only the pleasurable
things in life and avoiding those that
cause harm or pain.
Stoics believe that one must face difficulties
in life with fortitude and patience.
How should one face suffering
and adversities in life?
Nietzsche believes that person should not
blame other people or look at external factors
to explain his/her suffering.
Utilitarian philosophers suggest
that in order to alleviate suffering in
the world, people should focus on
actions that are beneficial to society.
