Meaning of Life and the Threat of Depression
Can Depression Make Life More Meaningful
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62442/ta.144832Keywords:
Depression, agency, free will, meaning of lifeAbstract
The article examines the relationship between depression and the meaning of life. In addition, it assesses the view that depression and the experiences of depression can, under some circumstances, make life more meaningful. In the beginning of the article, I analyze the experiences of depression in the light of philosophical literature on the meaning of life. A depressed person feels that his life is worthless and pointless. In addition, depression erodes a person's ability to act, which is a prerequisite for a meaningful life. The rest of the article evaluates the view that depression not only threatens the meaning of life, but can also make life more meaningful. According to the view, the experiences of depression can be potentially transformative. If an individual is able to handle their suffering correctly, valuable things can arise from it, such as spiritual and moral growth. Finally, I draw attention to two central problems with this view.
