Criticism of the anthropological foundations of Viktor Emil Frankl's semantic therapy theory based on the approaches of the Holy Quran.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Graduate in Quran and Educational Sciences, Al-Mustafa International University.

2 Faculty Member, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences.

3 . Faculty Member, Al-Mustafa International University, Mashhad. abbas.

10.22034/qve.2025.10014

Abstract

The meaning of life and meaning therapy are among the topics that help people in difficult situations in order to improve their inner state and mental health, and lead life from a void of meaning and emptiness to a purposeful one. It was founded and promoted by Viktor Emil Frankl. But this theory, compared to the teachings of the Holy Quran, faces many challenges in the basics, including in the anthropological basics. This research seeks to answer the question: What are the commonalities and differences between the anthropological foundations of the theory of meaning therapy compared to the Quranic approaches? By referring to the available sources and the teachings of the Holy Quran, the findings show us the points of commonality and overlapping of the two views; In the innateness of religious feelings, the meaning of life, the freedom of man in decision-making, the responsibility of man, the power to elevate life, the purposefulness of life and other things, there are common aspects of two views; Also, many cases of disagreement between the two points of view show the shortcomings in Frankel's point of view, which can be attributed to Darwin's evolutionary hypothesis, religious pluralism, spirituality, freedom, responsibility, exaltation needs, conscience and its role in life and changing beliefs. Humans and other things have been achieved, which shows the weakness of Frankel's view and the superiority of the Holy Quran's view.

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 30 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 28 January 2025

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