PURPOSE IN LIFE AND OUR SHRINKING TIME-HORIZON: A PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT FOR SELF-REALIZATION

摘要

This paper pursues a philosophical investigation of purpose, defined as a fundamental need that has to be fulfilled for experiencing meaning-in-life, in relation to the ethical tradition of thinking about self-realization. In contrast with deontological ethical approaches, focusing on moral duties and legitimization of actions, teleological ethical approaches suggest moral philosophy should focus on realizing the telos (purpose) of a good life, that is, a life of eudaimonia or happiness. Self-realization, or optimally realizing one’s potentials in life, figures as the quintessential moral ideal in teleological ethics. Its application to the context of aging raises questions, however, particularly given its inherent future-directedness in relation to the shrinking time-horizon of aging. This paper will provide a structured philosophical argument exploring the relations between purpose, eudaimonia, self-realization, and a limited time-horizon, working towards a critical re-conceptualization of self-realization that can serve as a fruitful perspective on purpose in later life.