The Humanities and the Purpose of Human Creation
Author: Jawad Habib
The topic of the humanities and the purpose of human creation is an important philosophical, religious, and social discussion that seeks to understand the significance of human existence and its ultimate purpose. The scope of the humanities is very broad, encompassing philosophy, psychology, sociology, religion, and ethics. All these fields examine human existence and its purpose from different angles.
1. Human Nature and the Quest for Purpose
Human beings have always had a curiosity about their existence and its purpose. The question of “Why do we exist?” and “What is the purpose of our being?” is a fundamental question on which various civilizations and religions have based their teachings . In the humanities, this natural quest of humans is seen as an instinct that continually drives them to seek the meaning of their existence .
2. Philosophical Perspectives
Philosophy offers numerous views on the purpose of creation. Philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, Kant, and Hegel have attempted to understand the purpose of human beings within the realms of reason, ethics, and practicality. Aristotle described humans as “rational animals” and understood their purpose in terms of virtue. Plato directed this towards knowledge and justice , while Hegel recognized humans based on free consciousness, finding purpose in self-improvement and progress .
3. Religious Perspectives
According to Islamic teachings, the primary purpose of human creation is the worship of Allah: “I created jinn and mankind only that they may worship Me” (Quran 51:56). The Quran does not limit worship to mere rituals; rather, it instructs living every aspect of life with the awareness of God and acting according to His pleasure. Thus, from an Islamic perspective, the purpose of human existence is to seek the pleasure of Allah in this world and the Hereafter .
4. Psychology and the Search for Human Purpose
In psychology, human purpose is considered a vital element that plays a significant role in an individual’s psychological health and happiness. Logotherapy, which was developed by Viktor Frankl, is based on the principle that humans must seek a purpose . According to Frankl, a person’s life becomes meaningful when pursuing a higher purpose. This aspect of human psychology highlights how an individual’s happiness and satisfaction are linked to the fulfillment of their goals .
5. Social Sciences and the Purpose of Humanity
In social sciences, humanity is viewed as a social being, whose purpose lies in contributing to the betterment of society. The theory that “the survival of an individual is dependent on the welfare of their society” leads us to the understanding that an individual’s purpose can also extend beyond themselves to serve their community, nation, and humanity .
6. Existentialism and Individual Purpose
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that posits that humans are free to choose their purpose. Philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard argue that each individual must define their purpose of existence. According to them, humans are considered free beings whose true purpose is achieved through their personal choices and the paths they select. In existential philosophy, individuals must give their roles meaning and purpose.
7. Purpose of Life and Ethics
Ethics is also closely tied to human purpose. Different religions and philosophies present ethics as a noble purpose . Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and other religions regard ethics as a fundamental pillar of human life. For instance, in Islam, humans are sent to Earth as a vicegerent, with the duty to live with justice, love, compassion, and responsibility .
8. Conclusion: Humanity and Its Purpose in the Universe
The humanities consider that although individuals give meaning to their lives in various ways, the purpose of life ultimately lies in seeking God’s pleasure and serving humanity. This comprehensive interpretation of life’s purpose, where humans seek their happiness and satisfaction as individuals and are interconnected with others as social beings, helps us understand that human life should not be based solely on self-interest but rather on the principles of altruism and service.
Conclusion
To understand the purpose of human creation, it is essential to integrate philosophy, religion, psychology, and social sciences. Each discipline provides a unique perspective on the creation, existence, and purpose of humanity. Thus, the purpose of human life is not limited to a single aspect but can be explored from multiple viewpoints.
References:
1. Frankl, Viktor E. Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.
2. Maslow, Abraham. Motivation and Personality. Harper & Row, 1970.
3. Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Terence Irwin, Hackett Publishing, 1999.
4. Plato. The Republic. Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Dover Publications, 2000.
5. Hegel, G. W. F. Phenomenology of Spirit. Translated by A. V. Miller, Oxford University Press, 1977.
6. The Holy Quran. (Quran 51:56)
7. Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity. HarperOne, 2004.
8. Frankl, Viktor E. Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.
9. Ryff, Carol D., and Burton Singer. “The Contours of Positive Human Health.” Psychological Inquiry, vol. 9, no. 1, 1998, pp. 1-28.
10. Durkheim, Émile. The Division of Labor in Society. Free Press, 1997.
11. Putnam, Robert D. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster, 2000.
12. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.
13. Kierkegaard, Søren. Either/Or: A Fragment of Life. Princeton University Press, 1988.
14. Hursthouse, Rosalind. On Virtue Ethics. Oxford University Press, 1999.
15. The Holy Quran.
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