Meaning of Life Flashcards
is a philosophy that seeks to understand human existence and the human experience. It focuses specifically on the ability of the individual to make
choices and commit to such choices to make something out of his or her life.
existentialism
Three (3) major viewpoints on philosophical discussions on the meaning of life
supernaturalist views
naturalist views
nihilistic views
believe that life gains meaning from a relationship with the divine. The
most prominent view is that God defines life’s meaning by assigning a purpose to the person, thus we are created for a reason.
Philosophers who subscribe to this view that human life has meaning by virtue of it being created by or rooted in God.
supernaturalist Views
believe that one can achieve meaning in life even without the spiritual realm and reject the influence of supernatural forces in life.
naturalist views
views the individual as the one who defines his or her own life’s meaning based on
his/her desires, goals and choices.
subjectivism
believes that there are no subjective bases for life’s meaning. Rather, people must seek
to attain certain standards and goals which define meaning in their lives.
objectivism
consider it futile and irrelevant to ponder on the question of life’s meaning.
Those who subscribe to this view consider existence as unknowable, chaotic and irrational and that understanding and even attaining meaning in one’s life is impossible.
nihilistic views
believes that human person is made incomplete and finite by God and thus, he/she continually seeks happiness and
satisfaction.
st augustine
is a Danish philosopher, that defines existence as the person’s journey toward self-actualization.
soren kierkegaard
3 stages of self actualization of soren kierkegaard
aesthetic stage
ethical stage
religious stage
where the actions of the person are governed by his/her senses, impulses and emotions.
aesthetic stage
where the person develops an awareness of moral universal standards that guide his/her actions and choices.
ethical stage
where the person is able to devote himself or herself to a higher standard purpose in life. In particular, the individual now recognizes his or her capacity for spirituality and establishes a relationship with God.
religious stage
where the person recognizes and accepts the need for a relationship with God
“leap of faith”
believes that man has a willing to meaning, which is the person’s innate character that drives him or her to find meaning in life.
victor frankl
Three (3) values according to Frankl that views the discovery of meaning in life
creative values
experiential values
attitudinal values
refer to the creation or achievement of something worthwhile in life such as making a work of art or doing meaningful tasks.
creative values
refers to the interaction with the world and other people and experiences of positive aspects of life such as goodness, truth and beauty. These include appreciating the beauty of nature and establishing meaningful relationships with others.
experiential values
refer to the adoption of a positive attitude and outlook towards negative experiences such as pain, suffering and injustice and making meaningful choices in facing these adversities. These include transforming personal defeat into triumph and finding joy amidst a hopeless condition.
attitudinal values
Frankl believes that those who have lost meaning in life due to difficult circumstances can be guided to rediscover their purpose through
LOGOTHERAPHY
is a psychotherapy method that help people who have undergone great difficulties and restore their will to live.
is a more active and meaning centered psychotherapy which motivates the person to find or rediscover meaning of his/her life, focus on a vision of a future he/she wishes to fulfill and work to attain it.
LOGOTHERAPHY
believes that man cannot fully understand his/her existence and therefore should embrace the absurdity of existence and find their own personal meaning and happiness.
discussion on absurdism offers a unique perspective on how a person can find meaning and purpose in an otherwise meaningless and absurd experience.
albert camus
is the view that as a person tries to make sense of his/her life and find meaning in it, he/she eventually realizes that such meaning cannot be found.
absurdism
believes that the person naturally faces moments of despair with hope, which is the feeling that sustains and maintains the integrity of the person during difficult situations.
gabriel marcel
In his essay, “———–” believes that in times of trial and despair people naturally hope for release or salvation from adversity.
a metaphysics of hope
According to Marcel;
_______ – is a natural and inevitable response to trials and despair, and that human beings are naturally predisposed. It does not give a definite solution to a problem but rather the desire to continue living despite difficulties.
hope
Five (5) Philosophers on the Meaning of Life
st augustine
soren kierkegaard
victor frankl
albert camus
gabriel marcel
