Volume 7, Issue 2 (June 2025)
IEEPJ 2025, 7(2): 1-20 |
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Sheikhiani H, Mahdavinejad M H. (2025). Components and Requirements of Life's Meaningfulness in the Thoughts of William James and Viktor Frankl. IEEPJ. 7(2), 1-20. doi:10.22034/ieepj.2025.7.2.1023
URL: http://ieepj.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1007-en.html
URL: http://ieepj.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1007-en.html
1- PhD student in Philosophy of Religion, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran, h.sheikhiani@pnu.ac.ir
2- Associate Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Theology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran ,mh.mahdavinejad@pnu.ac.ir
2- Associate Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Theology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (1839 Views)
Objective: Throughout the annals of history, the quest for existential significance has constituted a principal preoccupation of human beings, accompanied by myriad endeavors to comprehend it, particularly within the domains of philosophical inquiry and psychological analysis. Viktor Frankl and William James represent two distinguished intellectuals who have examined the essence of life from markedly different vantage points.
Methods: Employing an analytical-descriptive methodology, this investigation scrutinizes the constituents and prerequisites for attaining life's meaning as articulated by these two eminent philosophers.
Results: A thorough analysis of their viewpoints elucidates notable parallels notwithstanding their contrasting positions. While Frankl accentuates the pursuit of meaning as a critical mechanism for survival and resilience in the face of adversity, James conceptualizes the meaning of life as a subjective and evolving phenomenon influenced by quotidian experiences and personal decisions. The examination of these two theoretical frameworks underscores the notion that the meaning of life is a construct that may be delineated in various manners contingent upon situational contexts and individual experiences. Moreover, an analysis of the constituents and prerequisites of life's meaning within their respective frameworks reinforces the shared conviction that the attainment of purpose and significance is vital for human flourishing and psychological well-being. Both philosophers concur that the essence of meaningful existence emerges from engagement and proactive endeavors.
Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that, in accordance with James, individual decisions, emotional experiences, and daily interactions constitute the fundamental elements in the construction of life's meaning, whereas Frankl delineates three essential components: labor and diligence, love and interpersonal relationships, and the confrontation of suffering and adversity as integral to the discovery of meaning in life.
Methods: Employing an analytical-descriptive methodology, this investigation scrutinizes the constituents and prerequisites for attaining life's meaning as articulated by these two eminent philosophers.
Results: A thorough analysis of their viewpoints elucidates notable parallels notwithstanding their contrasting positions. While Frankl accentuates the pursuit of meaning as a critical mechanism for survival and resilience in the face of adversity, James conceptualizes the meaning of life as a subjective and evolving phenomenon influenced by quotidian experiences and personal decisions. The examination of these two theoretical frameworks underscores the notion that the meaning of life is a construct that may be delineated in various manners contingent upon situational contexts and individual experiences. Moreover, an analysis of the constituents and prerequisites of life's meaning within their respective frameworks reinforces the shared conviction that the attainment of purpose and significance is vital for human flourishing and psychological well-being. Both philosophers concur that the essence of meaningful existence emerges from engagement and proactive endeavors.
Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that, in accordance with James, individual decisions, emotional experiences, and daily interactions constitute the fundamental elements in the construction of life's meaning, whereas Frankl delineates three essential components: labor and diligence, love and interpersonal relationships, and the confrontation of suffering and adversity as integral to the discovery of meaning in life.
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Evolutionary Psychology
Received: 2025/01/5 | Accepted: 2025/04/3 | Published: 2025/06/1
Received: 2025/01/5 | Accepted: 2025/04/3 | Published: 2025/06/1
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