Exploring the Meaning of Life through Phenomenology and Enactivism

The question of the meaning of life has been a central theme in human inquiry for centuries. Recently, there has been a surge in attempts to analyze the concept of 'meaning in life' with increasing precision, a field often referred to as the philosophy of the meaning of life. Yet, philosophical exploration concerning the subjective experiences of individuals who perceive their lives as meaningful is surprisingly sparse.

Professor Masahiro Morioka of Waseda University's Graduate School of Human Sciences proposes a novel approach to scrutinizing 'the meaning of life' through the lens of the geographical landscape of human experience when one actively engages with their life. This examination is expected to influence various fields including psychology, cognitive science, and geography.

His recent work has been published online on June 4, 2025, in the journal Philosophia.

Findings from Previous Research

Past studies in psychology and philosophy have established that an individual's moods and emotions significantly affect their perception of life's meaning. For instance, those experiencing depressive states may feel that their lives hold little significance. Philosopher Ratcliffe (2010) pointed out that an individual's mood can strongly influence how they grasp their sense of life's meaning. Empirical studies exist in psychology addressing how mood impacts this perception.

Conversely, phenomenology has revealed that the lived experiences of individuals engaging their bodies in the world profoundly shape their perceptual experiences. Concepts such as affordance, solicitation, and enaction, which emerge from phenomenological studies, have drawn attention to how the perception of the world is constructed through active bodily engagement.

This research proposes to apply this understanding to the perception of life's meaning, creating a bridge between various disciplines.

The Contribution of This Study

This research does not provide objective knowledge based on data but focuses on conceptual inquiries and theoretical refinement regarding 'the meaning of life.' It steers clear of the numerous debates about whether life's meaning is subjective or objective, or a blend of both (a hybrid theory). Instead, it offers logical insights into how 'meaning in life' is constructed as experienced by individuals striving to live meaningful lives.

The research introduces a 'geographical model of meaning in life,' refraining from passive perception models and opting for an active exploration model akin to how a visually impaired person uses a cane to navigate their surroundings. Relating this to the perception of life's meaning, individuals explore their life through different attitudes and commitments, prompting reactions concerning the life's beauties and tragedies.

Thus, the perception changes based on how one engages with life's values, akin to standing atop a mountain and observing the diverse landscapes around. This study's proposal focuses on encapsulating the concept of 'meaning in life' as a geographical construct, leading to a unique definition, which states:

“The geographical model of meaning in life refers to the complete set of lived experience patterns regarding worthwhile existence activated by the process of actively exploring one’s life, similar to how a visually impaired person navigates using a cane.”

This pioneering approach fills a gap in the philosophical discourse surrounding the meaning of life.

Paradigm Shift in Understanding Life's Meaning

Unlike previous philosophical inquiries that focus on clarifying what constitutes a meaningful life or how to achieve one, this research embraces both the positive and negative events that sculpt life's experiences, representing a substantial paradigm shift. By integrating phenomenological methodology into the philosophy of life's meaning, a new framework emerges that appreciates the nuances of lived experiences.

Potential Impact and Social Relevance

While direct societal impacts may be minimal due to its theoretical nature, the research could significantly influence the philosophy and psychology of life's meaning. For instance, psychology has developed various quantitative and qualitative measures to assess life’s meaning. The proposed geographical model may offer fresh perspectives that lead to expanded insights within psychological research.

Historically, philosophy and psychology have faced challenges concerning mutual understanding. However, embedding phenomenology between these disciplines may foster constructive collaboration in future studies.

Future Directions

The current research aims to integrate alternative philosophical approaches to life’s meaning, including an ontological perspective and a 'liberation and recollection' approach. Building a systematic exploration in the philosophy of life's meaning is crucial given its open nature to diverse audiences. Alongside academic discussions, conveying ideas in accessible language is essential for broader outreach.

Researcher's Insights

Philosophy employs methodologies distinct from the natural sciences, tackling complex questions regarding concepts such as happiness and selfhood, dating back to ancient times. Although radical advancements in the field may not be frequent, various breakthroughs arise that reflect contemporary societal interests.

Terminology Explained

1. Phenomenology - A philosophical methodology proposed by Edmund Husserl in the early 20th century aimed at elucidating the structure of human conscious experience.
2. Affordance - A concept introduced by perceptual psychologist James J. Gibson referring to the possibilities for action provided by the environment.
3. Solicitation - A phenomenon where perceived objects seem to invite specific actions from the subject.
4. Enactivism - A methodology developed by biologist and philosopher Francisco Varela asserting that perception is not merely passive but an active engagement with the environment.
5. Ontological Approach - A form of inquiry that considers the unique characteristics of individuals living their lives.