Masahiro Morioka is a professor in the Faculty of Human Sciences at Waseda University. Since then, he has been on a life-changing quest to discover the true meaning of life. Most recently, he published this study in Philosophia on June 4th of this year. In this study, we present a new and unique conceptual framework—the “Geographic Model of Meaning in Life.” Our work seeks to better understand how subjective understandings of meaning in life and flourishing are shaped by lived experience and affective orientation.
Morioka’s research addresses a longstanding philosophical debate regarding the nature of meaning in life: whether it is entirely subjective, entirely objective, or a hybrid of both. The study emphasizes that both phenomenology and philosophy play crucial roles in understanding how individuals interpret and find significance in their lives.
The Geographic Model of Meaning in Life
Morioka defines the Geographic Model as “the whole set of patterns of combinations of lived experiences of the worthfulness of living a life that are experienced being activated by my action of probing into my life in the here and now, and this action is similar to the action of a blind person probing her way with a cane.” This metaphor is used to unpack how we all make sense of the world around us, searching for meaning and intention through the chaos of our lives.
The model challenges everyone to engage deeply with their experiences. It points to the truth that meaning is not found—it’s forged. Morioka’s framework emphasizes the changeable relationship between action and perception. In doing so, it seeks to provide a richer explanation of how we might find meaning in life.
Mood and Perception
The study highlights the significant influence that an individual’s mood has on their interpretation of life’s meaning. As philosopher Matthew Ratcliffe has observed, a person’s emotional state can deeply influence her experience and interpretation of meaning in life. Morioka’s findings speak to the significance of subjective moods and emotions in the urban experience. They argue that these emotions deeply shape how people lead their lives and make sense of them.
The implications of this relationship are profound. And as an example, mood can certainly affect how we interpret meaning. That’s why learning how to traverse these emotional terrains is especially important for those seeking deeper insight into their big-picture questions. By acknowledging that these external influences are shaping their understanding, people can more effectively arm themselves to pursue and create their own meanings.
Future Directions in Research
Looking forward, Masahiro Morioka has lofty goals for his research. He stated, “My next goal is to integrate this study with other ongoing approaches in the philosophy of life’s meaning: namely, the solipsistic approach to meaning in life and the liberation and recollection approach. Via this integration, I hope to create a bold, systematic alternative in the philosophy of life’s meaning PhilPapers. This intention reflects Morioka’s commitment to advancing the discourse on life’s significance through collaborative philosophical inquiry.
By combining these different methods, he’s aiming to come to a more complete picture of how people can discover meaning. This systematic framework could serve as an incredible tool for anyone seeking to address these questions. It serves people who seek to expand their understanding beyond their lived experience.