Across the disciplines, by which field of study is human purpose and meaning explored?

While social sciences, such as sociology and anthropology, investigate human behavior and societal structures, they primarily focus on empirical data and social phenomena rather than the philosophical or existential inquiries central to understanding human purpose and meaning. Their approach is more oriented towards systematic analysis rather than interpretative exploration.

Hard sciences, including physics and chemistry, deal with the natural world and rely on quantitative measurements and experiments. These fields do not engage with subjective concepts such as purpose and meaning, as their focus is on understanding physical laws and phenomena rather than the human condition.

Psychology examines mental processes and behavior, which can touch on aspects of human purpose and meaning. However, it often does so within the context of individual experiences and cognitive functions, rather than the broader cultural and philosophical inquiries that the humanities address. Thus, psychology is more specialized and less comprehensive in this exploration compared to the humanities.