Modern man in search of meaning

This thesis addresses the impact of the force of modernisation on man’s ability to conceive of the world as a meaningful whole. Even though modernisation is a tremendously energising and progressive force that transformed European society throughout the modern era, many thinkers have also addressed the ‘dark side’ of modernisation that can be found in its disenchanting, disruptive, and disembedding character. As argued in this thesis, the quest for meaning starts with the understanding that despite the disenchantment of the world, moderns still find themselves in a condition of disenchanted enchantment, where meaning and significance can be found in existence through attunement and ontological involvement.