Ontological foundations of the meaning of life from the point of view of Viktor Frankl and William James
Subject Areas : کلام اسلامیHasan Sheikhiani 1 , Mohammad Hossein MahdaviNejad 2 , Mahdi Khademi 3 , Masoume Salari Rad 4
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4 - Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: meaning of life, ontological, anthropological, Viktor Frankl, William James,
Abstract :
Examining and comparing the views of William James and Viktor Frankl on the meaning of life and consequently finding a new way to solve the problem of the meaninglessness of life and reconsidering contemporary attitudes about the meaning of life and using classical ideals and values for a deeper understanding of this concept. Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of investigating the ontological foundations of the meaningfulness of life from two dimensions (universal and anthropological). This research has been done using analytical-descriptive method and using library and documentary sources. The theoretical framework of this research is based on the theories of Viktor Frankl and William James on the meaning of life. Analyzing their views on the meaning of life, shows that both philosophers emphasize that finding purpose and meaning in life is necessary for human happiness and vitality, and both believe that the meaning of life is the result of activity and action. Frankl's approach refers to personal values and meaning, while James emphasizes personal experience and relationship with the outside world in his approach, also Frankl's point of view emphasizes the human need for meaning, but James emphasizes the experience and practical application of meaning.