Searching for the purpose of life | Babette Babich, Jonathan Webber, Sandra Laugier, Frank Tallis

About this Video

• Video Title: Searching for the purpose of life
• Channel: The Institute of Art and Ideas
• Speakers: Babette Babich, Jonathan Webber, Sandra Laugier, Frank Tallis
• Duration: 11:10

Introduction

This video from The Institute of Art and Ideas is a panel discussion exploring the question of life's purpose. The panelists, experts in philosophy and related fields, discuss various perspectives, including Daoism, existentialism, and the psychological implications of goal-setting and meaning-making.

Key Takeaways

• The Question of Purpose Emerges with Maturity: The panelists suggest that the search for life's purpose often begins around the age of 18, coinciding with the attainment of maturity.
• Daoism and the "Going with the Flow" Approach: Daoism is presented as an alternative perspective that emphasizes harmony and non-action rather than a singular, defined purpose. Even the pursuit of Daoism itself can be considered a goal.
• Existentialism and Authentic Meaning Generation: Existentialism emphasizes creating meaning from one's experiences and life rather than imposing pre-defined meanings. This self-generated meaning fosters resilience and the ability to overcome life's challenges.
• The Neurological Basis of Goal-Setting: The discussion touches upon the neurological functions of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex's role in goal-setting, suggesting a biological basis for our drive to find purpose.
• The Importance of Freedom and Agency: The panel connects the idea of purpose with freedom and agency, arguing that the ability to create value and meaning is intrinsically valuable and should be protected. The pursuit of this freedom could be considered a fundamental purpose of life.