What philosophical stance is represented by thoughts like "life has no purpose or meaning" and "truth cannot be known"?

The philosophical stance that encompasses thoughts like "life has no purpose or meaning" and "truth cannot be known" is nihilism. Nihilism is characterized by the belief that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded, and that life is devoid of inherent meaning or purpose. This perspective often leads to a skepticism regarding the possibility of knowledge or truth, suggesting that objective truths do not exist or that any meaning that may be ascribed to life is ultimately arbitrary.

In contrast, the other philosophical stances present alternative views. Utilitarianism focuses on determining the rightness of actions based on their outcomes, specifically the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Relativism posits that points of view have no absolute truth or validity, but rather are relative to the individual or culture; however, it does not inherently deny meaning in life. Deontology is concerned with the morality of actions based on rules or duties rather than their consequences, focusing on ethical principles rather than existential questions of meaning.

Thus, nihilism aligns directly with the sentiments expressed in the question, highlighting a rejection of established values and objective truths.