Abstract:
This research aims to analyze and explain three distinct concepts of the meaning of existence in the thought of Karl Jaspers, using the conceptual analysis research method of interpretation and conceptual elaboration. This understanding is based on the distinction between two specific periods in the course of Karl Jaspers' philosophical thought; first, his existential philosophy period and then the period in which Jaspers distanced himself from the term existential philosophy and called his philosophy the philosophy of reason. In the first period, Jaspers raises two key points; first, he believes that man can achieve a deeper meaning of existence by successfully passing through the marginal situations of life, which include experiences such as death, loneliness, suffering and feelings of guilt. Secondly, Jaspers emphasizes the importance of deep and existential relationships between human beings, which include empathy, mutual understanding and deep respect for others, to discover the meaning of existence. In the second period, Jaspers changed his view and emphasized the role of reason and wisdom in understanding the meaning of existence. In other words, he believes that man, by using reason and logic, can achieve a deeper understanding of existence and his place in it, and this can give man a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness.