期刊名称：Drustvena istrazivanja. Journal for General Social Issues
印刷版ISSN：1330-0288
出版年度：2005
卷号：14
期号：4-5 (78-79)
页码：885-902
出版社：Institute of Social Sciences IVO PILAR
摘要：One hundred years ago, psychiatrist Viktor Emil Frankl, the founder of logotherapy, was born in Vienna. In the war "holocaust" (1942-1945) he lost his family-members and the experience of suffering made him stronger in his belief that the meaning of life is more powerful than anything. He created the system of logotherapy which deals with the "meaning of existence" and the therapeutic technique of finding that meaning, while the theory itself was expressed in three concepts: free will, will for meaning and the meaning of life. The main cause of numerous contemporary diseases, according to Frankl, is in the lack of purpose and meaning of life which cause the spiritual unrest of "aimlessness", "pointlessness" and "emptiness" (noogene neuroses). Logotherapy teaches that there is an objective and general meaning that restores people's belief in life and awakens their sense of responsibility. Due to the fact that humans are free and responsible beings, Frankl does not accept any determinism which would rule over their destiny. Human beings are responsible for their own happiness and capable of discovering the values of life, led by their conscience, which is their "organ of meaning". Frankl uses opinions, knowledge and discoveries of other authors abundantly, and his psychological and philosophical considerations are interesting and popular with readers. He does not cover up differences among particular psychological movements and psychotherapeutic methods. Frankl respects other movements, criticises freely and does not accept exclusiveness. He is well-informed and substantially prepared. Not only in philosophy and medicine, which he promoted, but also in other fields of natural and social sciences, in ethics and psychiatry, therapy and psychology. From his books, articles and lectures a steadfast optimism and hope radiate. Logotherapy is not just a technique but also a skill for successfully helping people to find meaning – in three ways: in the act of creation, while experiencing some value and by suffering.
