Instructions: Read The Assigned Reading From The Chapter The

Instructions read The Assigned Reading From the Chapter Thenchoose One

Instructions read the assigned reading from the chapter. Then choose ONE of the questions below to answer. Answer the question you chose in a response that is a minimum of 1-2 paragraphs. Be sure to explain your answers and give reasons for your views. You should cite the textbook and use brief quotations and summaries from the textbook in your response. Do NOT use any other sources besides the textbook. When you talk about the meaning of life, which sense of the term do you use-- external meaning or internal meaning? What bearing, if any, does the ephemeral nature of our existence have on the question of whether life has meaning? Does the fact that we die negate the possibility of meaning in life? Is Schopenhauer right about the meaninglessness of life? Does the wretchedness of our existence show that life has no meaning?

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether life possesses inherent meaning or is ultimately meaningless has been a central concern in philosophy, especially in existential and metaphysical debates. When discussing the meaning of life, I adopt the concept of internal meaning, which refers to the subjective significance and purpose that individuals find within their own lives, rather than external meaning, which relates to an objective or cosmic purpose assigned from outside oneself. This perspective aligns with existentialist views that emphasize personal responsibility and the creation of meaning in an indifferent universe (Sartre, 1943/2007).

The ephemeral nature of human existence indeed influences the debate about life's meaning. The transient, fleeting quality of our lives raises questions about whether our pursuits and achievements hold lasting significance. Some argue that the transient aspect diminishes life's value; however, others contend that the brevity of life intensifies the importance of consciously creating meaning within our limited time (Frankl, 1946/2006). For example, Viktor Frankl emphasizes that even in the face of inevitable death, individuals can find purpose through personal values, relationships, and goals, thus rendering life meaningful despite its temporariness.

The fact that humans inevitably die does not necessarily negate the possibility of life having meaning. Instead, it can highlight the importance of the meaning we assign to our experiences. The existentialist perspective asserts that mortality underscores the urgency of living authentically and purposefully (Heidegger, 1927/1962). While death underscores life's finite nature, it encourages individuals to engage actively in the search for meaning rather than viewing life as inherently devoid of purpose.

Schopenhauer's pessimistic outlook claims that life is essentially suffering and ultimately meaningless. He argues that the relentless striving and incessant desires that characterize human existence lead to inevitable disappointment and wretchedness, resulting in life's inherent meaninglessness (Schopenhauer, 1851/2000). However, this view may be challenged from an existential standpoint that suggests meaning can be constructed despite suffering. Frankl, for instance, advocates that even amid pain and despair, individuals can discover purpose and value, countering Schopenhauer’s nihilism with a more optimistic view of human resilience.

The suffering and difficulties that pervade human existence are often cited as evidence that life lacks any genuine meaning. Nonetheless, many philosophies and psychological theories propose that meaning can be found or created even in the face of adversity. For example, Viktor Frankl's logotherapy posits that the search for meaning is a fundamental human drive, and overcoming suffering can give life profound significance (Frankl, 1946/2006). Consequently, rather than signifying life's emptiness, suffering may serve as an impetus for individuals to find or forge personal purpose.

In conclusion, while the impermanence of life and suffering are significant factors in understanding life's potential meaning or meaninglessness, they do not necessarily negate the possibility of finding purpose. The perspective of internal meaning emphasizes that individuals can create subjective significance through their choices, relationships, and pursuits, regardless of external or cosmic constructions of purpose.

References

• Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning (R. J. Schwartz, Trans.). Beacon Press. (Original work published 1946)
• Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and Time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row. (Original work published 1927)
• Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Being and Nothingness (H. E. Barnes, Trans.). Routledge. (Original work published 1943)
• Schopenhauer, A. (2000). The World as Will and Representation (J. Hicks, Trans.). Routledge. (Original work published 1851)
• Velleman, J. D. (2000). The Genesis of Shame. Harvard University Press.
• Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
• Cassell, E. J. (2009). The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine. Oxford University Press.
• Nagel, T. (1971). The absurd. The Journal of Philosophy, 68(20), 716–727.
• Camus, A. (1991). The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Vintage International. (Original work published 1942)
• Becker, E. (1973). The Denial of Death. Free Press.