SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes -Determinism, Plastic Surgery, Social Forces
Document Summary
Denial of death: through religion - offers immortality, promise of better times to come, security of spirits who look over us, provides meaning/purpose. Determinism: belief that everything happens the way it does because it was destined to happen in just that way. Determinists believe forces larger than us control life, not us: trying to stay young - cosmetic surgery, diet, exercise, vitamins, makeup, etc. Voluntarism: belief that we alone control our destiny. Voluntarist"s believe we can overcome forces larger than us, decide for ourselves: people worry less about death because they delude themselves into thinking they can cheat it. A trap: denial of death is a trap - makes it more difficult to figure out how to live well and be happy. Religion creates restrictions, striving to be youthful occupies all efforts/time. Higher education: be aware of death, helps focus on achieving meaningful life (yolo, we are meaning-creating machines.
