「生きがい」と生涯学習の規範理論

―J. ロールズの「善」の理論が提起する問題を中心に―

抄録

  “Ikigai” should be thought of in terms of life-long involvement, rather than a subject of particular concern for the elderly.

  Theories of life-long learning have only described the facts of “Ikigai” because they lack a normative view point. The theory of the “Good” by J. Rawls offers an effective method when we approach the suject of “Ikigai” in life-long learning.

  “Ikigai” is the value and meaning of one's life within the framework of facts and norms. However, as human desires vary. these judgements of value need some normative basis.

  We have a sense of “Ikigai” when feel we are living a good life which is respected by others and society. In this sense “Ikigai” has the nature of “Good”. “Ikigai” is achieved as a person successfully executes rational “life-plan”. But this execution needs to be based on self-respect. I think that this good life is the object of life-long learning.

  Learning promotes the formation of a positive view of life Rawls says that someone is happy and good when his rational plans of life are going well. If a positive view of life is based on this theory, the object of life-long learning is in supporting the formation of mind and ability to that view.

  Life-long learning in terms of creating “Ikigai” will aim to improve individual lives and the social system and lead to reformation of the social system.