Philosophy in Luminaria

The Great Questions of Being and Morality

Existentialism and Meaning

Existence precedes essence: beings are born without fixed purpose, forging meaning through their choices. In Luminaria, mortals and gods alike must define themselves in a cosmos that offers no guarantees. Existentialist cults preach courage in the face of futility, while nihilists embrace despair.

The Problem of Evil

Why do the gods allow suffering? Some faiths say pain is a test, others that it strengthens the soul. Still others whisper that the gods are not omnipotent, or even that evil is woven into creation itself. Theodicy becomes a battlefield of ideas as priests struggle to reconcile divine love with mortal agony.

Virtue, Duty, and Consequence

Three major traditions shape philosophy: virtue ethics (who you become), deontology (the rules you must follow), and consequentialism (the results you achieve). Cultures in Luminaria often embody one system over the others, leading to conflict when their moral worlds collide.

Moral Relativism vs. Universal Law

Is morality universal or shaped by culture? To some, there is a cosmic law written into the fabric of reality. To others, right and wrong are but customs, shifting from land to land. This debate divides empires, guilds, and even pantheons.

Freedom and the Will

Philosophers argue whether mortals truly have free will, or whether fate and divine decree bind their choices. Some claim freedom is an illusion, while others insist that even gods cannot chain the will. Myths often portray heroes defying prophecy, embodying the struggle for self-determination.