Final answer:
Existentialism is a philosophy that suggests existence lacks inherent meaning, leading individuals to ascribe their own significance to their lives. Logical Positivists considered religious language meaningless, based on their understanding of language, but this was not tantamount to being closed-minded about religion. As philosophy evolves, there's a renewed interest in metaphysical discussions and the rationality of theistic belief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Existentialism and the Search for Meaning
The philosophical stance that denies inherent meaning in existence or religious beliefs is often associated with existentialism. Existentialists postulate that life itself lacks intrinsic meaning, and it is up to the individual to ascribe personal significance to their existence. This idea is encapsulated in the phrase 'the absurd,' which represents the existential belief that the only meaning our world has is the meaning that we ourselves confer upon it. Additionally, philosophers like the Logical Positivists took a stance on religious language, considering it not merely false, but meaningless - a view that stemmed from a particular understanding of language and meaning tied to observation and experience.
Friedrich Nietzsche's proclamation that "God is dead" illustrated the move away from assuming a divine foundation for morality and meaning. This does not necessarily equate to atheism or agnosticism but instead highlights a recognition of the subjective nature of human interpretation and the lack of objective truth. As the 20th century progressed, critiques of Logical Positivism and postmodern thought opened the door to a renewed exploration of philosophical metaphysics and the rationality of theistic belief.
Understanding these philosophical discussions does not aim to invalidate religious faith but rather to apply rigorous philosophical reasoning to the concepts and beliefs of religion, irrespective of the personal faith of the philosopher. Many nonbelievers, including atheists and agnostics, also engage in discourse on morality and meaning, demonstrating that rejecting belief in a divine being does not necessarily equate to a lack of ethical considerations or a less valuable moral life.