There are two meanings for the word purpose. One is purpose in relation to something external. By definition the Universe comprises all that exists: there is no outside in relation to which it could have purpose. If God existed, we could include him/her in this All, and in that case the totality "God plus universe" would have and could have no conceivable purpose. Theists claim that God is self sufficient and can exist without purpose. So why can't the universe?
But we can have purpose in the second sense: purpose and goals for our lives which we freely choose for ourselves, in the light of the needs of others humans, animals and ecosystems.
That pretty much sums up my view. There is no purpose external to everything that exists, but there are purposes within it - and these we define for ourselves.
This message has been edited by Modulous, Wed, 15-March-2006 02:13 PM
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