Meaningful Lives and the Meaning of Life
Dissertation, University of Maryland, College Park (
1999)
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Abstract
This dissertation approaches the meaning of life issue in a way that differs from traditional philosophical approaches. I examine the question of the meaning of life as the question of how human lives can be meaningful. I begin by examining theistic and nihilistic approaches to the issue. I consider three key assumptions that constitute a framework shared by both approaches. An external meaning for life in general is a necessary condition for any individual life to have meaning. The existence of God is a necessary condition for the existence of objective values. Endless existence is a necessary condition for meaningfulness. I argue that each of these is misguided. Therefore, both approaches are misguided. ;In place of the traditional approach to the question I develop an account that treats the issue as that of how lives can be meaningful in the ordinary sense. I justify this standard of meaningfulness by demonstrating that the theistic standard is untenable. I then argue that the criteria for meaningful lives include involvement in worthwhile projects and success in such projects. After developing this account I argue that not only is fulfillment not among these criteria, but finding fulfillment in one's life is dependent upon conventional standards of meaningfulness. ;I then consider Thomas Nagel's unique brand of nihilism and contend that both premises of his argument to establish the absurdity of life---that humans cannot avoid taking their lives seriously and that our entire framework of justification can be called into question---are flawed. I further argue that even if both are true, it is not adequate to establish this conclusion. I conclude by examining Schopenhauer's pessimistic arguments. I contend that while his arguments are flawed, pessimism concerning the possibility of achieving a meaningful life is nevertheless justified due to factors including population growth, industrialization, and human hostility