-I disagree that human nature's ability to reproduce cannot be seen as a purpose. I agree that it can also be seen as a function in relation to something else. It just depends on the context.
The purpose of human life is a great subject, and, yes, it is not as scientific as other subjects. I guess, the assumption is that:
-in order for there to be purpose in the universe, there must be an intelligent creator of the universe. Without this being a reason for the universe and everything in it does not exist.
I completely disagree with this! I have few assumptions of my own.
-Humans have a hard time understanding reality because humans often entangle their own characteristics into their perception of the universe as a whole and parts of the universe that they are examining. Humans ask themselves: how did it begin and how will it end? Who created all of this? Is there consiciousness here or there?
-Vice versa. Humans have a hard time grasping that there may be purpose, reason, or intent without a human brain conjuring it up. The abilities that brains have may exist elsewhere without a brain present.
I don't know. They are just assumptions. If there isn't any purpose, reason, or intentions in the universe whatsoever and humans have no relation to them, than why is life happening at all? What exactly is growth? Why is intelligent lifeforms devloping intelligence in the first place? Is the force behind all this just energy bouncing around until it settles into a piece of matter somewhere?
Is there a human purpose? Hmmm... I do like the word function better! ... I believe your right, paralith! When thinking scientifically, the word 'function' does fit better than the word 'purpose'.
The human species has a function within the universe. A human purpose develops within the human psychy when an individual human struggles to survive. (During an individuals struggle to survive it will have offspring that will carry on the inherited genetic makeup allowing the gentics to survive after individual death.) My previous statement was just a little backwards! Someone else touched on this when they said "an individual can create its own purpose."