The original meaning of life: why objective thinking is the wrong tool for finding universal purpose

Fox, Jacob

Abstract

In this thesis, I argue that metaphysical idealism provides a viable alternative to both the most popular kind of nihilism in the West and the belief that we can attain meaning in life without an ultimate meaning of life. I argue that there is a metaphysically ultimate meaning of life, this being to follow one’s conscience which is the felt manifestation of our universal but subjective striving towards absolute independence. This view is a consequence of the metaphysical idealism of the late 18th century philosopher J. G. Fichte, who heavily influenced the first use of the phrase “the meaning of life”. I begin by outlining the distinction between objectivity and subjectivity and exploring the link between the former and nihilism, this being the belief that there is no meaning of life. Nihilism is usually premised on the notion that a universal purpose for all of humanity must be objective. I show how Fichte’s original meaning of life is an alternative to such nihilism because it denies the relevance of the objective perspective to life’s meaning, and I explain and argue for this this alternative. I then defend idealism from some popular objections and argue that it is a commonsensical and reasonable metaphysic that is commensurate with modern science and is a better alternative to nihilism than some other initially seemingly promising alternatives. Finally, I conclude by arguing that the original, Fichtean meaning of life is practically beneficial because it can prevent some negative social and political consequences of objectification such as the technologisation of human beings, and it can even help prevent some of the conditions of totalitarianism. In sum, I argue that the original meaning of life is the ideal solution to the question “What is the meaning of life?”

Citation

Fox, J. (2025). The original meaning of life: why objective thinking is the wrong tool for finding universal purpose. (Thesis). Keele University. https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1280110

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Online Publication Date: Jun 26, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 27, 2025
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1280110
• Award Date: 2025-06