Belonging to the Infinite: A Conceptual Analysis of Meaning in Life Based on Schleiermacher’s Concept of Religion

Chiara Mensink, Rebekka (2023) Belonging to the Infinite: A Conceptual Analysis of Meaning in Life Based on Schleiermacher’s Concept of Religion. Bachelor thesis, Bachelor Theologie.

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Abstract

This essay performs a conceptual analysis of the concept of meaning in life with the help of theologian Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher’s concept of religion. The main question is how early Schleiermacher’s understanding of the essence of religion, as expressed in his book On Religion: Speeches to its Cultured Despisers, can contribute to the concept of meaning in life. Following Susan Wolf, contemporary discussions on meaning in life have been focused on achievements and projects worthy of love. However, Schleiermacher rejects an emphasis on purposiveness because of its lack of connection to what he calls “the infinite” and because it condemns passive contemplation of the universe. Therefore, a new account of meaning in life has been suggested in which interconnectedness and belonging are considered crucial elements of a meaningful life.

Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisors (RUG):	Supervisor E-mail Tutor organization Tutor email Andrejc, G. Faculteit GGW, Christendom en Ideeengeschiedenis G.Andrejc@rug.nl Jedan, C. Faculteit GGW, Christendom en Ideeengeschiedenis C.Jedan@rug.nl
Degree programme:	Bachelor Theologie
Academic year:	2023-2024
Date of delivery:	03 Feb 2026 11:14
Last modified:	03 Feb 2026 11:14
URI:	https://rcs.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/822

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