SSRScientific and Social Research2661-43322981-9946Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/ssr.v6i8.7975ArticleNihilism and Modern Consumerism: A Philosophical Exploration of the Search for Meaninghttps://artdesignp.com/journal/SSR/6/8/10.26689/ssr.v6i8.7975LiuGengmeng2024682024-08-23This study explores the relationship between nihilism and modern consumption concepts, analyzes the manifestation of nihilism as a philosophical viewpoint in modern society, and its impact on individuals’ search for meaning. By examining the origins, representative thinkers, and modern theories of nihilism, this article further reveals how nihilism affects modern consumer culture, leading individuals to feel lonely and alienated and lose meaning in their consumption behavior. The study also discusses philosophical strategies to address nihilism, proposing ways to make modern consumer behavior more meaningful and valuable through creating meaning, accepting nothingness, and strengthening community relationships. Finally, this study emphasizes the importance of nihilism in understanding modern consumer culture and calls for further philosophical exploration of it.

Portin F, 2020, Consumerism as a Moral Attitude: Defining Consumerism through the Works of Pope Francis, Cornel West, and William T. Cavanaugh. Nordic Journal of Theology, 74(1): 4–24.

Van Calster P, 2022, On Friedrich Nietzsche, Nihilism and the 21st Century. Journal of Theoretical & Philosophical Criminology, 2022(14): 61–73.

Whan M, 2021, Nihilism and Truth: Tarrying with the Negative, in Shame, Temporality and Social Change. Routledge, England, 87–102.

Cavanaugh, WT, Portin F, 2020, Consumerism as a Moral Attitude. Nordic Journal of Theology, 74(1): 4–24.

Seigneurie K, 2021, Modern Nihilism and Naguib Mahfouz’s Faith in Liberalism. Middle Eastern Literatures, 24(3): 167–189.

Drosos D, 2022, Castoriadis and Lasch. Narcissistic Nihilism and the Mirage of Individual Autonomy. A Working Hypothesis. Etica & Politica/Ethics & Politics, 2022(3): 143–155.

Fossa F, 2020, Nihilism, Existentialism, and Gnosticism? Reassessing the Role of the Gnostic Religion in Hans Jonas’s Thought. Philosophy & Social Criticism, 46(1): 64–90.

Connolly TF, 2023, Breaking Bad, Dostoevsky, Nihilism, and Marketplace Morality. The European Legacy, 28(2): 173–185.

Reddekop J, 2021, Relational Care Contra Nihilism: An Exploration alongside Amazonian Kichwa Thinking. Das Questoes, 13(1): 73–101.

Turner J, 2011, Ontological Nihilism. Oxford Studies in Metaphysics, 2011(6): 3–54.

Vattimo G, 2007, Nihilism & Emancipation: Ethics, Politics, & Law. Columbia University Press, New York.

MacAskill W, 2013, The Infectiousness of Nihilism. Ethics, 123(3): 508–520.