Meaning as Epistemic

I seem to recall reading some of Rand's work where she says that meaning in life is derived epistemically and not metaphysically. I can't recall where this was located. Does anyone know?

Thanks

Post 1

Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 1:35pm

the fundamental problem with certain philosophical phrasings, including the terms "meaning in life/of life" is that they are fundamentally sloppy and vague. these particular words can ask that question either way and probably a couple others also: specifics are required.

Post 2

Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 6:00am

Tim,

Here's a guess as to what you're looking for. Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, paperback p. 52:

     "But Aristotle held that definitions refer to metaphysical essences, which exist in concretes as a special element or formative power, and he held that the process of concept-formation depends on a kind of direction intuition by which man's mind grasps these essences and forms concepts accordingly.
     "Aristotle regarded 'essence' as metaphysical; Objectivism regards it as epistemological."

Hope that helps,
Jordan

Post 3

Monday, August 23, 2004 - 2:21am