Abstract

The meaning of life is one of the most fundamental philosophical and psychological questions, referring to the purpose, value, and function of human life, and it plays a central role in an individual’s spiritual and psychological development. This study examines the foundations and components of the meaning of life in the thought of Viktor Frankl in light of the philosophy of Mullā Ṣadrā. Subsequently, these foundations are subjected to critical analysis within the framework of Transcendent Philosophy (al-ḥikmah al-mutaʿāliyah) through a comparative research method. The findings indicate that there are fundamental differences between the two intellectual systems regarding the nature of life’s purpose, philosophical foundations, criteria of value, and the function of life. Mullā Ṣadrā, emphasising the primacy of existence (aṣālah al-wujūd), substantial motion (al‑ḥarakah al‑jawhariyyah), and the hierarchy of being (tashkīk al‑wujūd), regards the purpose of life as intrinsic and teleological, and sees its value and function in the immaterialisation of the soul (tajarrud al-nafs) and its movement toward proximity to the Divine. In contrast, Frankl considers the purpose of life to be dependent on individual choice and responsibility, and locates its value and function in the realisation of meaning, resilience, and the individual’s spiritual growth. This study shows that, from a philosophical and ontological perspective, Mullā Ṣadrā’s view is more comprehensive and capable of providing a deeper analysis of the meaning of life, whereas Frankl’s theory is more psychological and practical, emphasising the therapeutic function and human resilience. The findings suggest that the study of the meaning of life cannot be confined to a purely psychological approach; rather, profound philosophical and ontological analyses—such as those found in Transcendent Philosophy—offer a more complete framework for understanding the dimensions of purpose, value, and function in human life.