Lovecraftianism

This page is about Howard Phillips Lovecraft' philosophical beliefs. For Howard Phillips Lovecraft' political views, see Cosmicism

Lovecraftianism or Lovecraftian Philosophy, rooted in the writings of horror author H.P. Lovecraft, centers on "cosmic horror" - the idea that uncovering the truth about reality can have profoundly disturbing consequences.

Beliefs[edit | edit source]

Cosmic Hostility[edit | edit source]

In Lovecraftian stories, humanity occupies no special or privileged place in the universe; rather, reality is depicted as not merely indifferent but actively hostile to human existence. Discoveries in Lovecraftian stories often lead to a profound sense of dread and powerlessness, as ancient, malevolent beings or gods threaten to enslave, devour, or breed humanity.

Epistemic Skepticism[edit | edit source]

Lovecraftian philosophy challenges the conventional notion that truth is inherently valuable, suggesting that the truth about the universe may be so dreadful that it is preferable to remain in ignorance or embrace delusion. The encounter with the Lovecraftian truth often results in existential despair, driving individuals to contemplate suicide, succumb to madness, or exist in perpetual fear of the hostile reality they now understand.

Hypotheticals and the Nature of Belief[edit | edit source]

While largely a hypothetical worldview, Lovecraftianism serves as a reference point for comparing and contrasting other belief systems and philosophies, highlighting the role of faith in shaping human perspectives. It's often juxtaposed with the belief in God or the Divine, emphasizing the profound and enduring human inclination toward faith.

Value of Truth[edit | edit source]

While it shares some similarities with nihilism and existentialism, Lovecraftianism distinguishes itself by its singular focus on the value of truth, suggesting that even knowing the horrifying truth may not save or empower individuals in an inherently hopeless and terrifying universe.

Further Information[edit | edit source]

Wikipedia[edit | edit source]