Breaking News:

HEALTH

Dealing with the problem of pain, should we try to eliminate it?

Jul 28, 2023, 8:00 PM

Scott Raines, a writer and doctoral student at the University of Kansas. He discussed the problem o...

Scott Raines, a writer and doctoral student at the University of Kansas. He discussed the problem of pain Friday on KSL NewsRadio. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — Nothing good comes from feeling pain. In fact, most people will do everything in their power to avoid it.

Is the elimination of pain the ultimate goal? And what happens if all human suffering ends?

Scott Raines, a writer and doctoral student at the University of Kansas, shares insight with KSL NewsRadio on a piece he wrote for the Deseret News.

 

KSL NewsRadio’s Boyd Matheson asked, “What is pain all about and is eliminating really the right goal?”

Raines starts off by explaining that no matter where you stand politically, not many people have an answer to that question.

“If you’re a progressive, what is it that you’re progressing towards?” he asked. “Or if you’re a conservative, what is it that you want to conserve?”

Additionally, Raines says many of the progressive philosophers struggle over one idea.

“There’s this inherent moral,” he said. “The highest moral good is to eliminate all human suffering. And fundamentally, it’s an illusion.”

Pain is a part of who we are

Raines refers to the book entitled ‘The Problem of Pain’ by CS Lewis and says “The truth that pain is an essential part of that lets us be real, lets us be alive and lets us experience the world.”

He also mentions philosopher Sam Harris, who says 99% of pain can be eliminated in the mind.

Matheson says, “If all we’re doing is numbing ourselves with medication. So, we don’t feel pain or discomfort, or so we can just go play video games, we sort of lose the real test, which is around meaning.”

Raines says feeling pain is part of the human condition.

“Part of that problem is that being a human being is painful,” he said. “Dealing with other human beings that have needs is painful.”

Raines also says that if we avoid pain all together that can become a problem if and of itself.

He references a passage from ‘Problem of Pain.’ In it, Lewis makes mention to how we all would rather have a grandfather in heaven than a father in heaven.

He says a grandfather in heaven would give us all the treats we want and we could stayover at his house anytime. A father in heaven, however, would discipline us into something that we’re capable of becoming.

Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson can be heard weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

FILE - People wave signs to passing cars during a pro-transgender rights protest outside of Seattle...

LEA SKENE Associated Press

Federal judge pauses President Trump’s order restricting gender-affirming care for trans youth

Trumps order blocks support for gender-affirming health care for transgender people under age 19.

2 days ago

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Utah bill to expand breast cancer coverage put on hold

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on hold.

2 days ago

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

6 days ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

9 days ago

wegovy, one of many weight loss drugs...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Popular weight loss drugs may play a factor in vision loss, review shows

Ingredients in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro may play a role in vision complications, such as eye stroke.

9 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter reported it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvov...

Simone Seikaly

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs that had been vaccinated but contracted parvovirus anyway.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Dealing with the problem of pain, should we try to eliminate it?