Meaning of Life

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

existentialism

Question 2

Three (3) major viewpoints on philosophical discussions on the meaning of life

Answer 2

supernaturalist views
naturalist views
nihilistic views

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

supernaturalist Views

Question 4

believe that one can achieve meaning in life even without the spiritual realm and reject the influence of supernatural forces in life.

Answer 4

naturalist views

Question 5

views the individual as the one who defines his or her own life’s meaning based on
his/her desires, goals and choices.

Answer 5

subjectivism

Question 6

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.

Answer 6

objectivism

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

nihilistic views

Question 8

believes that human person is made incomplete and finite by God and thus, he/she continually seeks happiness and
satisfaction.

Answer 8

st augustine

Question 9

is a Danish philosopher, that defines existence as the person’s journey toward self-actualization.

Answer 9

soren kierkegaard

Question 10

3 stages of self actualization of soren kierkegaard

Answer 10

aesthetic stage
ethical stage
religious stage

Question 11

where the actions of the person are governed by his/her senses, impulses and emotions.

Answer 11

aesthetic stage

Question 12

where the person develops an awareness of moral universal standards that guide his/her actions and choices.

Answer 12

ethical stage

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

religious stage

Question 14

where the person recognizes and accepts the need for a relationship with God

Answer 14

“leap of faith”

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

victor frankl

Question 16

Three (3) values according to Frankl that views the discovery of meaning in life

Answer 16

creative values
experiential values
attitudinal values

Question 17

refer to the creation or achievement of something worthwhile in life such as making a work of art or doing meaningful tasks.

Answer 17

creative values

Question 18

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.

Answer 18

experiential values

Question 19

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.

Answer 19

attitudinal values

Question 20

Frankl believes that those who have lost meaning in life due to difficult circumstances can be guided to rediscover their purpose through

Answer 20

LOGOTHERAPHY

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

LOGOTHERAPHY

Question 22

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.

Answer 22

albert camus

Question 23

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.

Answer 23

absurdism

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

gabriel marcel

Question 25

In his essay, “———–” believes that in times of trial and despair people naturally hope for release or salvation from adversity.

Answer 25

a metaphysics of hope

Question 26

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.

Answer 26

hope

Question 27

Five (5) Philosophers on the Meaning of Life

Answer 27

st augustine
soren kierkegaard
victor frankl
albert camus
gabriel marcel