Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:
The concept of nihilism suggests that there is no inherent meaning, value, or truth in life. It has emerged in modern times, particularly as a result of Friedrich Nietzsche's ideas about the loss of tradition, a) religious or moral authority, and b) reason and logic, which were all once very strong in Western culture. Nihilism is mostly found in modern society, which has been experiencing rapid technological growth and an increasingly fragmented culture because of ideological fatigue and the pace of technological advancements. Nihilism produces feelings of isolation, skepticism, and apathy towards morality.
While nihilism uncovers how fragile belief systems are, it also raises the question of how one can be held responsible, have a sense of purpose, or exercise free will without a basis in something like religious, metaphysical, or logical authority. Therefore, nihilism is not only a means of negating things but also an insightful way to highlight how each of us will have to deal with the emptiness created when something we once held to be true collapses, and to evaluate the basis of what we consider important.
What is the main question that Nihilism asks about human existence?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The passage explicitly states that while nihilism uncovers the fragility of belief systems, it also "raises the question of how one can be held responsible, have a sense of purpose, or exercise free will without a basis in something like religious, metaphysical, or logical authority."
Context: The text explains that traditional sources of authority (religion, morality, reason) have collapsed or "lost their tradition" in modern times.
The Dilemma: It describes the "emptiness" created by this collapse and notes that we must now "evaluate the basis of what we consider important."
Conclusion: Therefore, the central question revolves around finding meaning, responsibility, and purpose in a world where those old, traditional foundations no longer exist.