Is there a difference between nihilism and fatalism?
First, let’s address the title question. Nihilism is the belief that questions of fact and value are both ultimately unanswerable. Fatalism assumes that humanity’s ability to affect the future doesn’t exist; that we can’t escape the inexorable march of fate, and that it’s pointless to try. The difference between nihilism and fatalism is cast in sharp relief by the question of determinism. Fatalism is compatable with determinism. Nihilism is not, because the acceptance of determinism entails the acceptance of certain purported truths about the universe and nihilists reject the idea that such truth can exist. However, both nihilism and fatalism inspire the same action, or perhaps inaction. Although I am not a nihilist, and can see the logic of “happy nihilism.” After all, if there are no truths or values, what truth or value could dictate that we have to feel sad about that? Lots of perceptions are fun–why not enjoy them? Second, about nihilism vs. Sartre’s existentialism: I don’t think
