The Philosophy of Meaning

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What is the meaning of life? This is perhaps the most profound question to ask, yet its answer remains as elusive as ever. Or is it? It’s fascinating to consider how this question was originally formed, dating back centuries to when philosophers delved into the depths of nature and existence, entering the proverbial rabbit hole and catching no more than the shadows of Plato’s cave. They hoped these questions would act as an elixir to save them from the depths of emptiness and meaninglessness. It’s clear that such questions arise only from the complex minds of adults and not from the carefree souls of children. What is so important about this question that many have dedicated their lives to finding the answers? Perhaps, looking at it in a new light can guide people better toward answering this longstanding question.

Psychologists and philosophers have come up with parameters and dimensions to catch the essence of meaning which is very abstract and fleeting. A more subjective interpretation of meaning, popularized by Victor Frankl, emphasizes personal responsibility in finding one’s own purpose. In his book, he states, “...he can only answer to life by answering for his own life,” underscoring the idea that only the individual asking the question can answer it. In contrast, some see a universal interpretation of meaning, as exemplified by Leo Tolstoy’s words, “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” This suggests a shared purpose, where we are all part of a larger spiritual community.

Researchers have further explored these perspectives, with Positive Psychologists introducing the emergent properties of meaning, arising naturally from vital engagement. This occurs when one is in a state of flow, fully absorbed in the experience. Other researchers argue that meaning can emerge from deliberate conceptualization and practice, as often seen in religious and spiritual observances. This approach aligns more closely with a more universal approach to meaning. Researchers have also categorized meaning into different types namely, global, situational, or thought-appraisals, where they serve a function to achieve a goal, reduce suffering, adopt certain values, or even enhance our sense of stability in a seemingly random existence. Indeed, these findings are insightful.

Having lived life in its fullest expression, I find that these theories offer a framework for understanding the meaning I've experienced over the years. Rather than comparing one perspective against another, my approach is to consider what resonates with me personally based on the journey I had. As proposed, meaning can be flexible or stable, emergent or deliberate, local or universal. However, the real challenge lies in choosing between comforting answers and confronting ones. The flaw, I think, is not in the rendering of the question but the biases people bring into the answers. People often seek meaning to escape the undesirable, and the elusive nature of the answer may stem from this self-serving bias. Whether life is meaningless or not is not the point, rather, the stringent concepts imposed on meaning may impede our understanding of the true nature of the question.

Reading the available articles and journals, it made me ask. Should there be only one answer to this question that will define the rest of humanity? Why is there a need for just one answer? Should it be a product of consensus? My next question went even further. Can meaning be taught or is it something we discover personally? What are the implications if we teach meaning to people and not let people discover it by themselves? Is there a "standard" meaning? If so, who is eligible to set those standards? Is it good for an institution to impose it on others without considering free will, or worse, at the risk of causing cognitive dissonance? Is the practice of free will the meaning of life? Nobody truly knows and it's anybody's guess.

One thing, however, is clear. Research shows that having a sense of meaning enhances well-being. Meaning contributes to resilience and can transform lives. The question may no longer be about the answer but rather how this pursuit has influenced people’s behaviors and beliefs. For many, it provides comfort amid the mysteries of existence and thoughts of the afterlife.

If someone were to ask me the meaning of life, my answer follows , “It is as magnificent as the stars at night.” Perhaps meaning is an experience, not necessarily an idea. Who knows?