Meaning in a Purposeless Cosmos: An Interdisciplinary Integrative Review of Philosophy, Psychology, and Science

In an era of scientific uncertainty and philosophical skepticism, the question of life’s meaning has renewed psychological and cultural importance. Although the cosmos lacks intrinsic purpose, humans continue to seek and sustain meaning amid existential ambiguity. This integrative review examines whether durable frameworks of meaning can be developed without cosmic teleology.

Using an integrative conceptual review, this study synthesizes insights from existential philosophy and meaning-centered psychology with recent developments in cosmology. Core sources include Sartre and Frankl, therapeutic models, such as Logotherapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and scientific perspectives from multiverse theory and contemporary cosmological narratives. This study proposes a four-phase model of existential meaning-making embedded in a recursive adaptive process.

The model comprises four interrelated components: (1) value-driven goal setting, (2) reflective self-awareness, (3) purposeful engagement, and (4) responsible decision-making operating within cycles of disruption, integration, and renewal that cultivate resilience and existential growth.

While the universe may be purposeless, reflective consciousness, ethical deliberation, and intentional action enable subjective meaning. Bridging existential philosophy with clinical practice and cosmology, the model highlights meaning-making across suffering, uncertainty, and scientific disenchantment.

Even in a purposeless cosmos, individuals can construct meaningful lives through value-oriented consciousness and ethical engagement. The model offers a transdisciplinary foundation for therapeutic work, philosophical reflection, and education, and invites empirical validation and implementation.