Which term describes the belief that life is meaningless?

Which term describes the belief that life is meaningless?

• A. Cynicism
• B. Existentialism
• C. Hedonism
• D. Nihilism

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that life has no inherent meaning. Nihilism is the belief that existence lacks any built-in purpose, value, or objective meaning, and it can extend to denying fixed moral truths as well. This directly matches the statement that life is meaningless. It’s a distinct stance from the others: cynicism doubts the sincerity of others and often expects self-interest behind actions; hedonism prioritizes pleasure as the highest good; existentialism, by contrast, accepts that life may be indifferent or absurd but emphasizes that individuals can and must create their own meaning rather than asserting that life is meaningless.

The main idea here is that life has no inherent meaning. Nihilism is the belief that existence lacks any built-in purpose, value, or objective meaning, and it can extend to denying fixed moral truths as well. This directly matches the statement that life is meaningless.

It’s a distinct stance from the others: cynicism doubts the sincerity of others and often expects self-interest behind actions; hedonism prioritizes pleasure as the highest good; existentialism, by contrast, accepts that life may be indifferent or absurd but emphasizes that individuals can and must create their own meaning rather than asserting that life is meaningless.