Which of the following does Viktor Frankl claim that the prisoners in concentration camps needed in order to survive their ordeal?
a.
Faith in the future.
b.
Faith in humanity.
c.
Faith in God.
d.
Faith in the workings of fate.
a.
Faith in the future.
To find the answer to this question, we can start by understanding who Viktor Frankl was and what he believed. Viktor Frankl was an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who wrote a book called "Man's Search for Meaning." In this book, he outlined his experiences in concentration camps during World War II and his theories on finding meaning in life.
According to Frankl, one of the key factors that helped prisoners survive their ordeal in concentration camps was having a sense of meaning and purpose. He believed that when individuals have something to live for, something that gives their life significance, it can help them endure even the most challenging circumstances.
Based on this understanding, we can evaluate the provided options:
a. Faith in the future: This aligns with Frankl's perspective because having faith in a future, such as a belief that life can improve or that there is a purpose to strive for, can provide individuals with the motivation to keep going.
b. Faith in humanity: While Frankl emphasized the importance of personal relationships and connection with others, it is not specifically mentioned as a necessary factor for survival in his writings.
c. Faith in God: Frankl did acknowledge that some prisoners found solace and strength in their faith, but he also noted that others who did not believe in God could still find meaning and purpose outside of religious beliefs. It is not exclusively mentioned as a requirement for survival.
d. Faith in the workings of fate: Frankl did not emphasize fate as a significant factor for survival. Instead, he focused on individual responsibility and the ability to choose one's attitude even in the most challenging situations.
Considering all the options, the best answer is likely:
a. Faith in the future.
It is important to note that while this answer aligns with Frankl's theories, it may be subjective to interpretation and other factors may have also contributed to survival in concentration camps. Reading Frankl's book "Man's Search for Meaning" can provide a more comprehensive understanding of his perspective.