LONELINESS AND THE MEANING OF LIFE: THE PHILOSOPHY OF EXISTENTIAL EXPERIENCE

This article explores the complex and multifaceted concept of loneliness from the perspective of the meaning of life, based on the theories and concepts of Existentialism. The authors have deeply analyzed the relationship between the experience of loneliness and existential questions and developed a theoretical model for studying the dynamics of these phenomena. The article presents an extensive literature review, offering both classic philosophical and contemporary psychological and sociological research. The empirical part of the work is based on thematic analysis, which provides the results of interviews, as well as specific examples of the relationship between loneliness and the search for meaning. A range of methods, including interviews and case studies, was used to gather empirical data. The interviews allowed for a deeper understanding of the respondents' personal experiences, views, and feelings towards loneliness and existential questions. Case studies provided a detailed analysis of specific life cases illustrating the relationship between loneliness, existential experience, and the search for meaning. Through theoretical modeling, the authors demonstrate how personal, social, and cultural factors interact, defining the experience of loneliness and its impact on existential experience. The developed model is tested for consistency with collected empirical data and existing theories. In conclusion, the importance of a deep understanding of loneliness as not only a psychological but also philosophical and social phenomenon is emphasized. This work may serve as a foundation for further study and the development of strategies to combat loneliness, as well as for a deeper understanding of the problems of the meaning of life in the modern world.