In my project, I analyze loneliness by philosophical means. Today, loneliness is recognized as a severe social problem that is investigated in a multidisciplinary research field. Loneliness, however, can be defined in many ways, and the definitions affect the ways in which the phenomenon can be perceived. Depending on the definition and the research field, loneliness is often investigated either as the individual's health problem or very broadly as the effect of unjust social structures. My research creates a new theoretical framework for bridging the alleged gap between personal experience and the social dimensions of loneliness. Loneliness assumes a relationship with others with whom one cannot connect in a meaningful way. I analyze how loneliness is shaped by social interaction and ask what types of norms it implies. I use the theoretical framework also for investigating the relationships between loneliness, aggression, and radicalization.

2023

2027