Lesson 10 - The Meaning of Life. Introduction to Philosophy of a Human Person.pptx

Serves as reference for philosophy lessons

1. LESSON 10 The Meaning of Life

2. Learning Objectives: Discuss philosophical concepts and views on human existence and meaning Discuss various existential questions that will help you articulate thoughts and reflections on life Discuss concepts, ideas, and views from Eastern and Western philosophers that will help guide you in living a good and meaningful life and in facing problems and challenges

3. Ask Yourself! How should I live my life? What should I do with my life? Did I live a meaningful life in my childhood? Am I ready if God takes my life away? Where I am now in living my life? Have I done great things in my life?

4. The Most Usual Questions in Life Why was I born into this world? What is the meaning of my life? Existentialism is a philosophy that seeks to understand human existence and the significance of 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. The major existential questions revolve around one’s identity , existence , choices , purpose , and meaning .

5. Different views on the meaning of life? 1. Supernaturalist views Believe that life gains meaning from a relationship with the divine God defines life’s meaning by assigning a purpose to the person Life has meaning by virtue of it being created by or rooted in God. Believes that human life derives meaning from the human soul or spirit and that the spirit enables man to achieve a relationship with God.

6. 2. Naturalist views Believe that one can achieve meaning in life even without the spiritual realm and reject the influence of supernatural forces in life. 3. Subjectivism views the individual as the one who defines his or her own life’s meaning based on his or her desires, goals, and choices. Believes that man can come up with varies and different meaning for their respective lives.

7. 4. Objectivism Believes that there are no subjective bases for life’s meaning. People must seek to attain certain standards and goals which define meaning in their lives. 5. Nihilistic views Believe that it is irrelevant to ponder on the question of the 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

8. Thoughts on the Purpose of Life 1. St. Augustine Human person is made incomplete and finite by God and thus, he or she continually seeks happiness and satisfaction. Love is considered to be the source of happiness for the person and it comes in various forms such as love for the self , love for other persons , and love for objects and possessions .

9. Defines existence as the person’s journey toward self-actualization. Self-actualization is achieved in three stages namely: aesthetic stage, ethical stage, and religious stage. Aesthetic stage is where the actions of the person are governed by his or her senses, impulses, and emotions. Ethical stage is where the person develops an awareness of moral universal standard that guide his or her actions. Religious stage is where the person is able to devote himself to a higher standard or purpose in life 2. Soren Kierkegaard

10. Either-or disposition – is term when a person is governed by two choices. Leap of faith – is the transformation of the person from aesthetic stage to religious stage where the person recognizes and accepts the need for a relationship with God

11. Believes that man has a will to meaning , which is the person’s innate character that drives him to find meaning in life He espouses the view that one can discover meaning in life by applying creative, experiential, and attitudinal values. 3. Victor Frankl

12. Creative values – refer to the creation or achievement of something worthwhile in life such as making a work of art or doing meaningful task. Experiential values refer to the interaction with the world and other people and experiences of positive aspects of life such as goodness, truth and beauty. Attitudinal values refer to the adoption of positive attitude and outlook towards negative experience such as pain, suffering, and injustice, and making meaningful choices in facing adversities.

13. He posited the view of Absurdism. It views that person tries to make sense of his or her life and find meaning in it, he or she eventually realizes that such meaning cannot be found. He proposes that the person should embrace and accept the fact that existence ins absurd and live in spite of it. The individual can still make his or her own meaning and purpose and find happiness in the “smaller things” of everyday life. Albert Camus

14. Logotherapy It is developed by Victor Frankl It is more active and meaning-centered psychotherapy which motivates the person to find or rediscover in his or her life, focus on a vision of a future he or she wishes to fulfill, and work to attain it. How do adversities and challenges define the meaning of life? According to Gabriel Marcel in his essay “A Metaphysics of Hope,” in times of trial and despair, people naturally hope for release or salvation from adversity. Hope , for Marcel, is inevitable response through trials and despair, and that human beings are naturally predisposed to hope.

15. Thank You!!!