[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

either "universal" means shared by all, or it means predetermined by the laws of physics

The adjective "universal" is determined by the definition of goal itself. Thus every goal shares the same characteristics that distinguish them from anything other than goal.

In this context I've defined goal as pursued condition. So every goal requires the existence of at least one pursuer. This requirement applies to every goal universally, without exception. If you think you have a better definition, let me know.

The adjective terminal poses the requirement that the condition is set at the furthest conceivable future, in the system under consideration.

[alancalverd]

You'd have to rewrite the language, invent a new dictionary, and change the mathematics of logic if you are to convince anyone that the could be a universal goal other than heat death. And you could then qualify as a future prime minister or archbishop.

[alancalverd]

Why do things exist?

There can be no logical reason why. We can investigate how, but why presumes an external agent with a purpose, which becomes a endlessly spiralling argument  as to why that agent exists.

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

You'd have to rewrite the language, invent a new dictionary, and change the mathematics of logic if you are to convince anyone that the could be a universal goal other than heat death.

What makes you think that heat death is qualified to be a goal? How do you define goal?

[alancalverd]

Because it is universal and inevitable.

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

Because it is universal and inevitable.

IMO, something that's inevitable cannot be a goal. I won't actively do something to pursue it.
You can't find the universal terminal goal is because you haven't decided the definition of goal in the first place, in this context.

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

Why do things exist?

There can be no logical reason why. We can investigate how, but why presumes an external agent with a purpose, which becomes a endlessly spiralling argument  as to why that agent exists.

Why the sky on earth looks blue? Why iron is attracted to magnet?
Can't you answer the questions without presuming an external agent with a purpose?

[alancalverd]

IMO, something that's inevitable cannot be a goal. I won't actively do something to pursue it.

But the entire universe is actively pursuing its heat death, and your metabolism is part of that pursuit.

[alancalverd]

Why the sky on earth looks blue? Why iron is attracted to magnet?
Can't you answer the questions without presuming an external agent with a purpose?

Beware of loose language! Physics explains how, not why. I get out of bed by swinging my feet to the floor - that's how. I get out of bed because I want to go to work - that's why. Only a philosopher would fail to understand the difference.

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

IMO, something that's inevitable cannot be a goal. I won't actively do something to pursue it.

But the entire universe is actively pursuing its heat death, and your metabolism is part of that pursuit.

Many people don't even know what heat death is. How can they actively pursue it?

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

Why the sky on earth looks blue? Why iron is attracted to magnet?
Can't you answer the questions without presuming an external agent with a purpose?

Beware of loose language! Physics explains how, not why. I get out of bed by swinging my feet to the floor - that's how. I get out of bed because I want to go to work - that's why. Only a philosopher would fail to understand the difference.

Do you think the usage of the word why in my questions is incorrect?
What should be done to correct them?

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

The Experiment That Taught Monkeys How to Use Money | Freakonomics

Stephen Dubner describes the research of Keith Chen and his experiments with the monkey economy. Monkeys were taught to use money by economists to buy different commodities, hilarity ensues. Recorded live in St. Paul.

There are something we can learn from other conscious agents who presumably have simpler thoughts, which are easier to analyze.

[alancalverd]

Many people don't even know what heat death is. How can they actively pursue it?

By metabolising. ΔS > 0, always.

[alancalverd]

Do you think the usage of the word why in my questions is incorrect?

It's a common error to ask a scientist "why" when the only answer he can give is  "how". Priests will happily tell you why, but there is no evidence to support their assertions.

[alancalverd]

other conscious agents who presumably have simpler thoughts,

What basis do you have for that assumption? How do you measure the simplicity of a thought?

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

other conscious agents who presumably have simpler thoughts,

What basis do you have for that assumption? How do you measure the simplicity of a thought?

There are several measurements we can use. The depth of their neural networks. Their memory size after being compressed effectively.
Although those are just proxies to determine the capacity or effectiveness to achieve goals which defines consciousness.

[alancalverd]

None of which has anything to do with the simplicity of a thought.

The capacity to achieve a goal has very little to do with neurology and a lot to do with physique. Ask any one-armed boxer.

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

The capacity to achieve a goal has very little to do with neurology and a lot to do with physique. Ask any one-armed boxer.

How do you define physique?
Why one-armed boxer can't achieve goals? What kind of goals do you mean?
Are you sure that one armed boxer would be easily defeated by average people?

[alancalverd]

Are you sure that one armed boxer would be easily defeated by average people?

There are some fine videos of an armless pilot going about her business in an unmodified airplane. But the likelihood of a one-armed boxer beating a champion with two arms is very small. 

[hamdani yusuf (OP)]

People with dementia have significantly reduced functioning neurons are less likely to achieve goals, compared to people without it, assuming that everything else is equal.
There's a video showing a BJJ fighter against a body builder in an MMA match. The body builder arguably has a better physique. But he was defeated in the match.