St.

Scholastica’s Academy Marikina

S.Y. 2023-2024

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

PERFORMANCE TASK & EXAMINATION

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Education in Philosophy

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Submitted by:

Nicole Arabela M. Martinez

Grade 12 – St. Ehrentrudis

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Submitted to:

Mr. Patro Sulla Jr.

Philosophy Instructor

Date of the Submission:

10/16/23
 Rediscovering the Significance of Human Life

I. Introduction

The need to live comes from the desire to explore life's mysteries and questions. Do
human lives matter? Is the purpose of life to eventually die? Why is there a need to
live life? Each human's journey is unique, offering valuable insights that enrich the
perception of their varied meanings and values attached to human life. It is an
enigmatic experience that every human individual has encountered. While lives may
relate to each other, they are inherently different, providing diverse experiences. The
presence of doubts and skepticism embedded in each life contribute to the depth of
this exploration, shaping the living experience of every individual. By rediscovering
the significance of human life and how to do so, humans will also find their purpose
and understand multiple perceptions and perspectives on how they perceive life.
Human life is a profound journey filled with various meanings and significance
waiting to be discovered, leading to a deeper understanding of our existence and
purpose.

II. The Different Views on the Significance of Human Life

The significance of life has been explored throughout history. It is a complex concept
shaped by diverse cultural, philosophical, and scientific perspectives ranging from
spiritual and metaphysical to practical and existential. These perspectives continue
to define people's understanding of the purpose and value of human existence.
During the ancient period, a well-known philosopher named Aristotle believed that
the purpose of life was to flourish and strive to live an existence that is well-spent.
1
Eudaimonia or happiness is the absolute goal in life. Rebirth and karma were
important in ancient Eastern philosophies like Hinduism and Buddhism. It viewed
life as a continuous cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation. Christianity established
that life possessed a divine meaning, with an emphasis on leading a virtuous life to
attain salvation during the medieval period. They viewed life as purposefully divine.

1
William F. Lawhead, The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, 4th ed.
(Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013), 74.
A shift toward a human-centered perception of life can be recognized through the
Renaissance. Humanists, such as Erasmus, advocated for the worth and potential of
every single individual. The Enlightenment era gave way to rationalism and
scientific inquiry. Descartes and Voltaire emphasized reason and science, viewing
the significance of life through logical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.
2
Different cultures around the world have unique perspectives on the significance of
life, often influenced by religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and social norms. The
world has become more universal, fostering the exchange, and blending of various
philosophical ideas about the meaning and significance of life.

A constant interaction between a variety of influences has been interconnected

throughout evolution. The value of human life has been understood to change over
time due to shifts in social standards, technological advancements, and cultural
connections. Individual philosophers and thinkers have questioned and altered these
beliefs, shaping philosophical inquiries, and introducing uncertain possibilities over
time.

III. The Diminishing of the Significance of Human Life

The diminishment of the significance of human lives often arises from a collection
of modern complexities. The fast pace of technological advancement, combined
with a consumer-driven culture that prioritizes materialism, fosters a sense of
existential emptiness. Philosophers argue that the loss of genuine human connection
amid digital interfaces contributes to the weakening of value. This leads to
questioning the inherent meaning and purpose of life. Furthermore, the
environmental crisis highlights the negative effects of humanity and encourages
philosophical inquiries into the moral implications of human actions.

In other cases, it can also be linked to historical and contemporary factors. Wars and
conflicts throughout history have exposed humanity to unprecedented levels of
suffering and moral challenges, leading some to grapple with the apparent
senselessness of life. Philosophers like Albert Camus were influenced by the

2
William F. Lawhead, The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, 4th ed.
(Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013), 241
existential angst of the post-World War II era, where the human search for meaning
is met with an indifferent universe. “There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by
scorn.”3

Cultural influences can also play a pivotal role in constructing the frameworks
through which humans perceive their lives. Some cultures may emphasize external
achievements, material success, or conformity to societal norms, overshadowing the
intrinsic value of personal experiences and their authentic significance to life.
Additionally, as cultures undergo globalization, there can be a sense of cultural
disorientation and the loss of traditional anchors, impacting the way humans ascribe
meaning to their lives.

There are multiple philosophical concerns about the current state of human
existence that are included in human life. The interaction between historical
traumas, technological shifts, and cultural values contributes to the philosophical
inquiry into why individuals might diminish the significance of their lives in the face
of such varied challenges. Restoring a sense of importance, purpose, and meaning
in human life requires a new set of goals based on moral and ethical principles.

IV. Rediscovering the Significance of Human Life in Ways of Philosophy

Philosophical approaches to rediscovering the significance of human life

incorporate an array of perspectives aiming to breathe new life into purpose and
significance. In contemplating the journey to find meaning again, it becomes
crucial to acknowledge the intrinsic value that every person holds simply by being
human. Based on humanism, this perspective argues that people matter inherently,
regardless of external accomplishments or characteristics.4 In other cases,
navigating a world that may appear devoid and purposeless requires an

3
Wendell O’Brien, “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives,” Internet
Encyclopedia of Philosophy, accessed October 15, 2023, https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/
4
William F. Lawhead, The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, 4th ed.
(Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013), 31
exploration of existentialism. It is where individuals bear the responsibility of
creating meaning through their choices and actions.

From an ethical standpoint, the significance of human life shines through

acknowledging moral duties toward others and emphasizing justice, compassion,
and empathy. It highlights the importance of recognizing and upholding the
intrinsic dignity and rights of every person, fostering a sense of significance
through moral actions. Furthermore, cultural and religious viewpoints shed light on
the value connected to human existence. Whether through religious beliefs of a
divine purpose to cultural celebrations of individual contributions, these narratives
play an essential role in infusing a sense of purpose and significance into human
life. In essence, finding meaning again involves a comprehensive exploration
surrounding humanism, existentialism, cultural and religious perspectives, and
ethics.

V. Skepticism and Doubts of Rediscovering the Significance of Human Life

Philosophical skepticism and doubts regarding the rediscovery of the significance

of life are inherent to the complexity of human thought5. Nihilism asserts that life is
inherently devoid of meaning, rendering any quest for significance ineffective as it
claims that life lacks inherent value or purpose.6 Absurdism, influenced by thinkers
like Albert Camus, argues that the search for meaning is inherently absurd in the
face of life's chaotic nature. Life is irrational, and attempting to find a rational
purpose is an absurd endeavor.7 Relativism suggests that meaning is subjective and
varies from person to person; what one person finds meaningful may not hold the
same value for another.8 Scientific reductionism contends that the desire for a
purpose is rooted in emotion rather than reason, viewing life because of natural
processes and evolution. Skepticism of cultural and religious narratives questions

5
William F. Lawhead, The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, 4th ed.
(Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013), 29
6
Wendell O’Brien, “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives,” Internet
Encyclopedia of Philosophy, accessed October 15, 2023, https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/
7
Thaddeus Metz, “The Meaning of Life,” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, February 9, 2021,
accessed October 15, 2023, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/
8
William F. Lawhead, The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, 4th ed.
(Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013), 63
their validity, seeing them as human constructs rather than objective truths.
Against these doubts, existentialism stands firm, maintaining that while life may
lack inherent meaning, individuals possess the freedom and responsibility to forge
their own significance through choices and actions. 9

In response to skepticism about the quest for meaning, humans acknowledge the
inherent complexity and subjectivity of the pursuit, recognizing that a universally
satisfying answer may remain enigmatic. Yet they highlight the underlying value of
the search itself, asserting that the act of questioning and seeking meaning is a
significant aspect of the human experience. Mindful of critiques of human-centric
views, they accept the limitations of an exclusively human-centered perspective
and advocate for a more inclusive approach, incorporating ethics that acknowledge
the interconnectedness of all human life. Examining ethical frameworks that foster
personal fulfillment while positively influencing social well-being is necessary to
strike a balance between individual significance and shared advantage.
Additionally, in addressing ethical dilemmas and complexities, they delve into
potential conflicts between individual pursuits and ethical principles, offering
nuanced guidance on navigating the moral landscape in the pursuit of a meaningful
life. This comprehensive philosophical response engages with doubts, critiques,
societal impacts, and ethical complexity, contributing to a deeper understanding of
the significance of human life.

VI. Conclusion

In our rediscovery of life's meaning, humans have witnessed its evolution over time,
encountering contemporary challenges in the fast-paced and materialistic world of
modern existence. It deepens with the complexities of wars, environmental
concerns, and cultural shifts. Fortunately, philosophy serves as an abiding guide.
Humanism resoundingly declares the inherent value of every individual,

9
William F. Lawhead, The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, 4th ed.
(Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013), 565
independent of their achievements. Ethics, cultural beliefs, and religion contribute
richly to life's purpose through the framework of moral principles and traditions.

As soon as these affirmations are made, doubts and skepticism begin to emerge.
Some claim that life is inherently meaningless, while others criticize the search for
meaning as absurd. Existentialism is a resolute stance empowering human to forge
their own meaning. Acknowledging the absence of a universal answer, the true value
lies in the ongoing questioning and pursuit of meaning. Embracing diverse
perspectives becomes predominant, recognizing our shared humanity. Finding a
balance between personal and collective aspirations and navigating ethical
complexities becomes the compass guiding us toward a profoundly meaningful life.
In this rediscovery, the realization that the very act of searching holds intrinsic value
and importance brings us to a place of appreciation for the profound significance of
human life.
Bibliography
Metz, Thaddeus. “The Meaning of Life.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Stanford University, February 9, 2021. Last modified February 9, 2021.
Accessed October 15, 2023. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/

O’Brien, Wendell. “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic

Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Accessed October 15, 2023.
https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/

Lawhead, William F. The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy.

4th ed. Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013.