Reference no: EM132440758 , Length: 4

Question I: Based upon a reading of Viktor Frankfs Mans Search for Meaning discuss what he describes as the state of meaninglessness, what are the key elements of this experience for example when one's whole ikny of life falls apart. What other experiences can lead to this state besides the death camps? You can bring in the perspectives given in some of the readings we looked at in class: I'olstoy, Mathew Arnold and Stace especially where the experience of the loss of meaning is described- either personal or culturaL

Question 2: How does Logotherapy deal with this existential loss of meaning? Describe the method(s) by which meaning can be reestablished (i.e. the "bottom up approach of finding a goal to live for) ? What is the role of the therapist in this process? You can make comparisons if you decide to with the relationship between Morrie and Mitch in Tuesdays with Morrie.

Question 3: What benefits can you envision from reading this book that might apply to "ordinaty situations" that we might face in our day to day lives when questions of meaning come forth? Issues like: the breaking up of a relationship, losing a job, leaving home, finding a career, feeling stuck or not knowing what to do next with one's life, being successful but not feeling sprisfied, being driven by material values and consumerism, feeling alienated of being discriminated against, transitioning from one set of cultural values to the mainstream culture, finding religion hard to accept and many more issucmore issues.

Question 4: (newly added) Allan Francis in his book, Saving_Nonnal believes that what had previously been seen as normal realities that we face as human beings. Issues like sadness, anxiety, children being active, lack of focus are increasingly seen as disorders. To treat these "disorders" drugs arc being used. He considers this to be wrong and inappropriate and is based on the drug companies desires for profit. Seeing life issues we all face as being sick undermines what it means to be human. Discuss his point of view in the two chapters that you have (included with the PDF of Man's Search for Meaning), How does this connect with the idea of living a meaningful life?