Understanding Human Conduct: The Innate and Acquired Meaning of Life

Understanding Human Conduct: The Innate and Acquired Meaning of Life offers a new model of life-meaning that assumes consciousness is necessary for meaning and understanding and divides life-meaning into innate and acquired types. It successfully deals with human behavior and alternative approaches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Understanding human conduct is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that has captivated the minds of scholars and thinkers for centuries. In his groundbreaking book, "Understanding Human Conduct: The Innate and Acquired Meaning of Life," author John Smith presents a novel and thought-provoking model of life-meaning that challenges traditional perspectives. The Consciousness-Meaning (CM) model, which forms the foundation of this model, posits two fundamental assumptions. Firstly, consciousness plays a crucial role in the pursuit of meaning and understanding. According to the CM model, consciousness is not just a passive bystander but an active participant in the search for significance. It is through our conscious experiences and interactions with the world that we gain insights and cultivate a sense of purpose. Secondly, the CM model recognizes that there are two distinct types of life-meaning: innate and acquired. Innate meaning refers to the inherent sense of purpose and value that we inherit from our biological and evolutionary heritage. It is the foundation upon which our sense of identity and self-worth are built. On the other hand, acquired meaning is the result of our experiences, relationships, and personal growth. It is the meaning we create through our actions, choices, and life experiences. The acquired meaning can be ordinary, reflecting our day-to-day experiences and relationships, or it can be extreme, reflecting our deepest aspirations and dreams.

The CM model is a powerful tool for understanding human behavior and the diverse range of approaches to life-meaning. It successfully addresses issues such as the crisis of life, which refers to the existential crisis that individuals may face as they grapple with the meaninglessness of existence. The model also provides insights into phenomena such as suicide, which is often seen as a tragic response to a lack of meaning and purpose. By integrating philosophical and scientific perspectives, the CM model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding human behavior and the search for meaning.

One of the key strengths of the CM model is its ability to bridge the gap between consciousness and behavior. It recognizes that consciousness is not just a mental phenomenon but a physical one that is intertwined with our physical bodies and the environment. This holistic approach allows the model to account for the complex interplay between our thoughts, emotions, and actions and their impact on our lives.

Another important aspect of the CM model is its recognition of the diversity of life-meaning experiences. It acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding meaning and that individuals may have different paths to self-discovery and fulfillment. The model encourages individuals to explore their own unique experiences and values and to cultivate a sense of purpose that is authentic to their own lives.

In conclusion, "Understanding Human Conduct: The Innate and Acquired Meaning of Life" presents a groundbreaking model of life-meaning that challenges traditional perspectives and offers a fresh and provocative approach to understanding human behavior. The Consciousness-Meaning (CM) model, founded on the assumptions that consciousness is a necessary condition for meaning and understanding and that there are two types of life-meaning, innate and acquired, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding human behavior and the search for meaning. By integrating philosophical and scientific perspectives, the CM model offers a holistic and inclusive approach to understanding human conduct and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 226 x 163 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793632401