Exploring the Meaning of Life An Anthology and Guide [Paperback]

Much more than just an anthology, this survey of humanity's search for the meaning of life includes the latest contributions to the debate, a judicious selection of key canonical essays, and insightful commentary by internationally respected philosophers.

• Cutting-edge viewpoint features the most recent contributions to the debate
• Extensive general introduction offers unprecedented context
• Leading contemporary philosophers provide insightful introductions to each section

Notes on Contributors viii

Preface x

Personal Acknowledgments xii

Acknowledgments xiii

General Introduction 1
Joshua W. Seachris

Section I Understanding the Question of Life's Meaning 21

Introduction 23
Thaddeus Metz

1.1 Why 29
Paul Edwards

1.2 Untangling the Questions 40
Garrett Thomson

1.3 Questions about the Meaning of Life 48
R. W. Hepburn

1.4 Philosophy and the Meaning of Life 62
Robert Nozick

1.5 The Concept of a Meaningful Life 79
Thaddeus Metz

1.6 Assessing Views of Life: A Subjective Affair? 95
Arjan Markus

Section II What Does God Have to Do with the Meaning of Life? 113

Introduction 115
John Cottingham

2.1 Ecclesiastes 121

2.2 On Living in an Atomic Age 133
C. S. Lewis

2.3 Is the Existence of God Relevant to the MeaninlsP