I look forward to delivering a new paper in April, at Siena University. The paper is entitled “Subjectivity in Life’s Meaning.”
ABSTRACT
The context for this talk is a relatively new and ambitious subfield of philosophy that is focused specifically on meaning in life. I begin by explaining Susan Wolf’s theory of meaning in life, which has been quite influential in this subfield. Roughly, Wolf maintains that in order for a project or activity to add meaning to one’s life it must be objectively valuable and subjectively fulfilling. Much rests on clarifying these elements (obviously). Since her theory has two main elements, it is characterized as hybrid. Wolf also emphasizes the necessity of activity as opposed to passivity, and she claims that the subjective and objective elements are linked. In 2013, and again in 2024, Thaddeus Metz has argued that Wolf’s subjective element is unnecessary for meaningfulness. Through the process of considering and rebutting his criticism, I clarify and develop the subjective element of a hybrid theory of meaningfulness. To do so, I explore the scope of central examples, the afore mentioned linkage, and the importance of distinguishing between the subjective element of meaningfulness and the subjective feelings/attitudes we find in hedonistic theories of happiness or a good life. (tiger roholt)
tiger roholt 