Traps of Meaning: Need for Closure and Finding Meaning

In this chapter, I aim to explore a notable tension between philosophical and psychological approaches to the question of the meaning of life. To achieve this goal, the discussion will be divided into three sections. Firstly, I will provide a brief survey of key aspects that philosophers have noted regarding the meaning of life. Secondly, I will delve into empirical research on a specific psychological process, namely Need for Closure, that I believe is relevant to this subject. The nature and scope of this tendency seems to be at odds with what would seem to make life meaningful. Finally, the chapter will conclude with an attempt to synthesize and put into dialogue both perspectives, by showing how reflection on the psychological conditions of may shape our philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life.