ABSTRACT
This chapter returns to the philosophical definition of meaning: Meaning is attributed to a thing, action or event by a person in a specific situation. When we ask about the origin of meaning, we are thus talking about appraisal and attribution processes. The hierarchic model of meaning illustrates these processes with reference to the necessity of perceiving more than is – that is, a surplus of meaning. The concepts of vertical and horizontal coherence and the role of the environment for personal experiences of meaning are discussed.
