Episode #239 ... Authenticity and the history of the self. (Charles Taylor)

Charles Taylor's Sources of the Self is a comprehensive exploration of the development of the self in Western thought. The book traces the evolution of self-understanding from ancient Greece to the modern era, examining how different philosophical and religious traditions have shaped our conceptions of identity. Taylor argues that the modern self is characterized by a unique sense of autonomy and individuality, but also by a profound sense of alienation and fragmentation. He explores the implications of these developments for our understanding of ethics, politics, and religion. The book is highly influential in the fields of philosophy, sociology, and religious studies. It's a challenging but rewarding read for anyone interested in the history of ideas and the nature of the self.

In 'The Ethics of Authenticity,' Charles Taylor delves into the concept of authenticity as a central virtue in modern moral thinking. He argues that authenticity involves both the creation and construction of one's self, as well as openness to horizons of significance and self-definition in dialogue with others. Taylor discusses three malaises of modernity: individualism, the primacy of instrumental reasoning, and the soft despotism of modern systems. He emphasizes the need to balance individual expression with a sense of community and shared moral responsibility, highlighting the tension between these aspects and the potential for authenticity to become tyrannical if not recognized by others.