© Paul T. P. Wong
What makes life worth living? The happiness hypothesis The virtue-ethic hypothesis The positive-engagement hypothesis The need satisfaction hypothesis The human potential hypothesis The PERMA hypothesis The meaning hypothesis
Nihilism: The human condition renders life meaningless: We can never achieve all our dreams. We become dissatisfied and bored even when we obtain everything we seek. There is no God, no soul, no afterlife. There is no divinely ordered universe, no ultimate purpose. There is no external grounding for morality - - everything is permissible.
Life is meaningless without God
Solomon’s God Solution
God created us for a reason God has a plan and purpose for each one of us God provides a coherent account of the meaning of life God is the sole source of morality God gives us hope beyond death There is ultimate justice and purpose We are bearers of God's image Life has value and significance by virtue of being related to God God satisfies our deepest longings
Paul Wong's sources of meaning (1998) Positive affect -- Feeling satisfied with life Achievement -- Striving and attaining worthy life goals Relationship -- Relating well to others and community Intimacy -- Having family and close friends Acceptance -- Being at peace with oneself Religion -- Have a personal relationship with God Self-transcendence -- Losing oneself in serving others Fairness/justice -- Being treated fairly
Characteristics of a meaningful life 1. Pursues a choice-worthy purpose or end 2. Exhibits some positive value, virtue, or praise-worthy goods 3. Renders life coherent and intelligible 4. Transcends one's animal instincts and self-interests 5. Makes a significant contribution to the world 6. Enhances the well-being of others 7. Possesses intrinsic value or worth 8. Fulfills God's purpose and plan in one's life 9. Exercises one's freedom of choice 10. Enjoys certain experiences and activities 11. Satisfies one's deepest needs and desires
Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy
Involves: Life direction Calling & mission Worthy purpose & end Priorities Core values A sense of significance Reasons for living
Understand self and others Understand the demand of the situation Know right from wrong. Understand one’s role in life Achieve a sense of coherence Can justify one’s own action
Freedom of choice Self-determination Internal control & self efficacy Assume responsibility of our own life & action Civic duties A moral agent.
An appreciative attitude The natural outcome of leading a purposeful and responsible life A sense of well-being & serenity in all circumstances Feel good for doing good This stage involves reflection and sometimes re-evaluation of PURE.