The Philosophy of Meaning: Existentialism and Religion

The Three Responses to Life's Meaning

There are three primary philosophical perspectives regarding the meaning of life:

• No Sense: The existence of the world is considered absurd. Because the question of meaning itself lacks a logical foundation, this position eliminates the inquiry entirely. Thinkers such as Sartre and others support this view.
• Inherent Sense: This perspective suggests that while purpose, meaning, or value exist, death remains an absolute limit for humanity. Therefore, meaning can only be found within the boundaries of human existence before death.
• Transcendent Meaning: This is the position of most religions. It posits that life possesses meaning that transcends death. Often referred to as salvation, this view suggests that life has intrinsic value through a continuing relationship with an afterlife, envisioned as a promise of final happiness.

Religion and the Search for Meaning

Although differences between religions are vast, they all aim to identify and provide an ultimate meaning to life, with God as the final end. They seek to decipher the significance of events, often striving for a meaning that transcends verbal expression. This can be understood through three interpretations of the term sense:

Religion as Religation

Believing in God and having faith in the meaning attached to Him implies that all acts depend on faith. Beliefs are adopted to provide a foundation for life, with God serving as the ultimate anchor.

Religion as Relation

Religion is a relationship between humanity and a higher, divine reality. This may take a personal nature (God) or manifest as a cosmic force (as seen in primitive religions). In all cases, the divine is a transcendent, supernatural reality—a mystery that is simultaneously attractive, fascinating, tremendous, and awesome.

Defining the Term 'Sense'

The term sense carries multiple connotations, including purpose, significance, and value.

Meaning as Purpose or Direction

Human actions are considered meaningful when they pursue a specific purpose and utilize appropriate means to achieve it. An activity lacks sense if it does not contribute to the intended end. This logic also applies to the universe, as humanity attempts to determine if the world has a final purpose or a definitive why.

Meaning as Significance

In language, meaning is found not only in signs but also in symbolism. This involves hidden layers of meaning established by beliefs, legends, and historical facts shared by a community.

Meaning as Value

Something makes sense if it possesses worth. Similarly, life or the world is evaluated by whether the efforts and sufferings of existence hold value, either within this life or beyond death. This raises the fundamental question: is life worth living, and what constitutes a good sense of existence?