Keisuke Noda-Viktor Frankl's Hermeneutic Space and Belief Systems

Viktor Frankl's Hermeneutic Space and Belief Systems Viktor Frankl identified self-transcendence as the essence of being human and the key to make life meaningful. Devotees to a belief system, be it religious or ideological, dedicate themselves according to the values of their belief system to make their lives meaningful. Across belief systems, some maintain a claim of exclusive superiority. The essay articulates Frankl’s phenomenological position, insight into the primacy of meaning, respect for belief-independent values, and his multidimensional approach, and shows how they constitute an open, inclusive hermeneutic space, where multiple meanings are fully disclosed in contrast to religious exclusivist hermeneutic space. Educational Objectives: Be familiar with Frankl’s phenomenological position Recognize the boundary between logotherapy and religion. Understand how Frankl’s respect for belief-independent values and his multidimensional approach constitute an open, inclusive hermeneutic space – in contrast to religious exclusivist hermeneutic spaces.