Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.8
The meaning of life – from ancient Greek philosophy to existentialism and logotherapy
Štefanija Kožić
orcid.org/0009-0008-4946-3264
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
*
Ana Kralj Duka
orcid.org/0009-0000-5544-3368
; Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Luka Janeš
; Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
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.
Ključne riječi
purpose of life; meaning of life; logotherapy; Viktor E. Frankl; existentialism
Hrčak ID:
344166
URI
Datum izdavanja:
5.2.2026.
Posjeta: 375 *