U źródeł współczesnej kultury śmierci

Abstract

In the Encyclical Evangelium vitae John Paul II used several times the expression “culture of death” which expresses the logic of death in the contemporary world. Is there any legitimacy to use this notion in relation to the world so much underlying the defence of human rights, included the human right to life? This paper is providing some philosophical, religious and socio-political arguments proofing a nihilistic background of modern civilisation. Instead of a civilisation of love, proclaimed by John Paul II, societies follow the culture of death founded on action and valuation marked by the shadow of Nietzsche. The nihilism is a way of thinking and valuing of human existence not only on the metaphysical level (Nietzsche and Heidegger) but also spiritual level, in different currants of modern Gnostic movements i.e. religious sects. The revival of gnosticism is a proof of the maturation of philosophical nihilism and post-modem philosophical options. The religious links between gnosticism and nihilism have been already proofed by H. Jonas in his excellent approach to the understanding of ancient gnosis and to its philosophical implications. Eventually, there is a practical dimension of the theoretical nihilism which is expressed in social and political attitudes towards human life. It means the growing lack of respect for the disabled person, the unborn, without saying anything about the extermination of nations and war.