|
The Origin and Function of Meaning: A Functional
Reappraisal Abstract: This paper explores a functionalist
and evolutionary view of meaning. Rather than treating meaning as a
metaphysical constant or existential endpoint, this approach considers
meaning as a self-generated, adaptive strategy used by life systems to
regulate and sustain themselves. By examining the biological and contextual
emergence of meaning in individual life quanta—discrete units of living
systems—the paper proposes a reframing of meaning not as truth or
transcendence, but as a guide mechanism for goal alignment and survival coherence. 1. Introduction: Meaning as Function, Not
Essence: The question "What is the meaning of life?"
has traditionally carried philosophical weight, implying that meaning is
something external to be discovered. This paper challenges that assumption by
proposing that meaning is not intrinsic to life itself but emerges from
life’s functional operations. It is not a cosmic answer but a strategic
adaptation. The core
assertion is that each unit of life—a life quantum—constructs meaning to
sustain itself. Meaning is therefore not universal, but relative,
constructed, and operational. Yet, paradoxically, in order
to be effective, meaning must be treated as absolute within the scope
of its originating system. This apparent contradiction forms the backbone of
life's self-coherence. 2. The Origin of Meaning in Life Systems: Life
begins with one imperative: to continue. From this
imperative flows the generation of goals, and from these goals, the
emergence of meaning. 2.1 Meaning as Survival Strategy: At its
core, meaning arises from alignment with the fundamental biological
imperative: survival. Behaviors, signals, and
rituals become meaningful to the extent that they support the continued
functioning of the life system. This applies equally to a cell, a plankton,
or a human. 2.2 Contextual Construction: As a
life quantum interacts with its environment, it develops culturally or
contextually coherent goals. These secondary goals—such as social rituals,
games, or spiritual practices—are meaningful insofar as they reinforce the
primary goal of survival and replication. 2.3 Inter-Quantum Relativism: While a behavior may be profoundly meaningful to one life quantum,
it may appear absurd to another. This is not a failure of logic but a feature
of meaning's localized construction. A ritual that preserves cohesion in one
system appears meaningless outside of it. Meaning is thus inherently relative
across systems but felt as absolute within each. 2.4 Absolutization for Coherence: For
invented meaning to operate effectively, it must be experienced as absolute.
A dart game, yoga practice, or religious ceremony functions meaningfully only
when participants bracket out wider existential relativism. This process of
de-relativization—or absolutization—is essential for coherence and
motivational efficacy. 3. Conclusion: Meaning as Internal Engineering: Meaning
does not emerge from outside life, but from within it—engineered by the
organism as a form of regulatory coherence. It is a tool, not a truth; a necessity, not a destination. Each life quantum,
to sustain itself, invents its own set of meanings and treats them as real.
This process is not delusional, but strategic. In reframing meaning as
internal engineering, we can release the search for objective meaning and
instead study how meaning functions to sustain life itself. The druid’s raw
propositions and ChatGTP’s response |