The meaning of life – from ancient Greek philosophy to existentialism and logotherapy

Authors

  • Štefanija Kožić Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
  • Ana Kralj Duka Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb, Croatia
  • Luka Janeš Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Keywords:

purpose of life, meaning of life, Logotherapy, Viktor E. Frankl, Existentialism

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.8

The meaning and purpose of life are connected with living a good and happy life, as well as with transcending needs and finding “higher purposes”. Prominent representatives of ancient philosophy include Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, and Epicurus, who agree that spiritual cultivation of the self is necessary for a good and meaningful life. The paper then turns to existentialism and its fundamental concepts, such as freedom and responsibility, with an emphasis on the individual's search for meaning. The paper aims to: 1) explain the role and significance of the meaning of life; 2) present some key points in the understanding of the meaning of life in ancient philosophy and existentialism, as well as their similarities and differences; 3) present logotherapy—a psychotherapeutic approach focused on meaning; and 4) highlight the role of philosophy in the search for meaning. It is shown that the question of meaning is universal to humans and that it is a question that has been attempted to be answered throughout history. It is concluded that meaning can be found with the help of the Other, and that each individual finds meaning in their own unique way.

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Published

2025-08-19

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): Jahr – European Journal of Bioethics

Section

Bioetika i aporije psihe 2025/1

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