Week 5 Lecture 3 (1).pptx

Meaning and Purpose Week 5, Lecture 3, BU 2073, Miss Amanda Paananen Review: Humanis m The Origins of Positive Psychology Remember the Humanists?  Humanism is a world view which says that reason and science are the best ways to understand the world around us, and that dignity and compassio...

Meaning and Purpose Week 5, Lecture 3, BU 2073, Miss Amanda Paananen Review: Humanis m The Origins of Positive Psychology Remember the Humanists?  Humanism is a world view which says that reason and science are the best ways to understand the world around us, and that dignity and compassion should be the basis for how you act toward someone else. Humanism in Ancient India  6th century BC  Lokayata, a brand of Hindu atheism, emphasizes that it was the evolution of mankind’s intellect that had given rise to religion and other schools of philosophical thought rather than supernatural forces. Humanism in Ancient China  Confucius  Born: 551 BC  Died: 479 BC Ancient Greece “The secret to happiness is freedom... And the secret to freedom is courage.”  Thucydides Born: 460 BC Died:400 BC Anatolian Humanism Haci Bektasi Veli Born: 1209, Neyshabur, Iran Died: 1271, Anatolia “The end of path not leading science is dark” Western European Humanism 14th-16th Centuries Psychology and Humanism  Abraham Maslow  Born 1908  Died 1970  Famous for ‘hierarchy of needs’ Psychology and Humanism  Carl Rogers Born:1902 Died 1987 Famous for research on empathy Secular/ Modern Humanism What do Humanists think about the meaning and purpose? What do Humanists think about the meaning and purpose?  There is no ‘ultimate’ meaning of life.  We must create our own meanings in life –  make our lives meaningful.  Some prefer to ask the questions, ‘How should I live?’ or ‘What is the good life?’ What is the meaning of life? Do these all mean the same thing? How can I make my life meaningful? What matters in life? How should I live my life? What is the good life? Possible ingredients of a good life a) Keeping healthy Possible ingredients of a good life  b) Enjoying bodily pleasures like food and drink Possible ingredients of a good life c) Forming good relationships with others Possible ingredients of a good life d) Being part of a community Possible ingredients of a good life e) Appreciating beauty and wonder Possible ingredients of a good life f) Using and developing your talents Possible ingredients of a good life g) Contributing to human knowledge about human beings and the world Possible ingredients of a good life h) Helping others Possible ingredients of a good life i) Working to create and build things that will benefit humankind Possible ingredients of a good life j) Being good to yourself Possible ingredients of a good life k) Taking care of the natural world and other living things What do humanists think about the good life?  There is not one single answer to the question of what makes a good life.  It is up to us to decide.  It may change throughout our lives.  Knowing that can give us a sense of freedom and relief.  Humanists are not, however, relativists. Definition of relativism  Relativism is the belief that there's no absolute truth, only the truths that a particular individual or culture happen to believe.  If you believe in relativism, then you think different people can have different views about what's moral and immoral. ‘Any such life would have two general characteristics: that it feels good to live, and that it is more beneficial than not on its impact on others.’ A. C. Grayling on the good life Humanists still believe…  human beings are special: as far as we know, we are the only things in this universe capable of understanding it.  And we are all still part of something bigger than ourselves: we are part of humanity, human history, and the natural world. Positive Psychology A starting place… Review: Positive Psychology  Founder: Martin Seligman  He was the APA President in 1996  He saw Psychology split into two camps: a) Academics more interested in science. b) Clinicians interested in practice of psychotherapy.  Hoped to bring science and practice together. Remember, Plato said: “KNOW YOURSELF”  We have only one life – make it worthwhile  1st lie – “There’s nothing I can do.”  2nd lie – “Life is about being happy.”  3rd lie – “Money can buy everything.”  Meaning makes life worth living. How to make life worth living?  Everyone has only one life. How do you get it right the first time?  Life is finite; life is short. How do you make the most of it?  Everyone wants a better life. How do you achieve it? LIE #1 “THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO.” Bring out your best self 1.Bring out your best qualities as a human being. 2.Bring out your best potential, whatever your occupation. LIE #2 “LIFE IS ABOUT BEING HAPPY.” AVOID THE HEDONIC TREADMILL LIE #3 “MONEY CAN BUY EVERYTHING.” Money can be used for good. It is only love of money or greed that is the root of all evil. All kinds of crimes, from corruption to drug trafficking, can all be traced back to the single motive of getting more money. Advantages of the Meaning Pursuit  Avoids the pitfalls of self-centered pursuits.  Self-transcendence & authenticity are the two pillars of a purpose-driven life.  Happiness & flourishing will sneak in through the back door.  Ability to transform adversities into opportunities for personal growth. The Power of Purpose The Power of Purpose What makes one’s life rich in poverty and another unfulfilling in abundance? The answer may be found in the seriousness of purpose. In fact, our survival, both individually and collectively, depends on it. Purpose and School Achievement Academic value and achievement motivation study (Wong, 1998)  Three wrong reasons for attending college 1. No better option 2. Parental pressure 3. Social interest  Three right reasons for attending college 1. Intrinsic value 2. Instrumental value 3. Personal development Purpose and Career Accomplishment Three different attitudes towards work: 1. As a job to make a living 2. As a career for self-advancement 3. As a vocation for fulfilling a calling Changing Concepts of Calling  Calling defined as fulfilling a specific life role for the greater good.  A sense of calling from alternative transcendent sources.  Calling to parenthood and child rearing.  Each person may have two or three callings in his or her lifetime. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation  Intrinsic motivation refers to the pursuit of some activity for its own sake.  Intrinsically motivated activities are rewarding and satisfying in their own right.  Extrinsic motivation refers to the pursuit of some activity for some external reward such as approval/praise, monetary incentives, and recognition or honor. Extrinsically motivated activities are a means to an end. Love someone unconditionally Five Sources of Intrinsic Motivation Do something you love Learn something new Do something kind Pursue an ideal beyond self-interest Meaning vs. Happiness Motivation  A meaning-orientation is more likely linked to intrinsic motivation and approach motivation.  A happiness-orientation is more likely linked to extrinsic motivation.  These two types of life orientations tend to result in different kinds of life goals.  Be consistent with inner goodness and ethical principles. How do you find your purpose in life?  Look deep into one’s own heart.  Assess one’s unique gifts, strengths, and interests.  Assess available opportunities and resources.  Consult experts.