From Public Citizens to Therapeutic Selves — The Hidden History of Modern Identity
Apr 8, 2025
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Carl Trueman, a professor, theologian, and author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, dives into the shifting landscape of identity. He explores how our understanding of self has transitioned from external communal markers to internal feelings shaped by social media. Trueman discusses influential thinkers like Charles Taylor and Philip Rieff, addressing the rise of expressive individualism and its societal implications. He critiques the contemporary balance of desire and societal norms, revealing the emotional turmoil this creates in political and personal realms.
The modern conception of identity has shifted from collective social roles to an emphasis on individual inner feelings and desires.
Expressive individualism promotes personal authenticity and passion but can lead to fragmentation and confusion in societal relationships.
Philosophers like Charles Taylor and Alasdair MacIntyre highlight the challenges of navigating modern identities within a landscape of differing moral perspectives.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Self-Identity
The concept of self-identity has significantly shifted from external markers, such as family and profession, to a more internal understanding based on personal feelings and desires. In historical contexts, individuals defined themselves through relationships and societal roles, while today, self-definition often revolves around internal identities like spiritual beliefs or sexual orientation. This transformation indicates a movement from a collective social identity to an individualized perspective, which has implications for personal relationships and societal connections. This change highlights how modern individuals navigate their identities amid a complex cultural landscape.
Expressive Individualism and Authenticity
Expressive individualism, as discussed by Charles Taylor, emphasizes that a person's true self is defined by their inner feelings and desires. Authenticity is derived from expressing these internal realities, signifying a break from traditional beliefs about identity. This notion fosters an environment where individuals feel empowered to pursue their passions and express their truths but can lead to confusion and disarray in personal relationships. The prioritization of personal authenticity can sometimes clash with communal values, resulting in a fragmented view of society.
The Historical Context of Self-Discovery
The historical development of self-identity spans several centuries, profoundly influenced by philosophers such as Descartes, Rousseau, and Nietzsche. As global travel and societal shifts diminished the significance of local communities, people began to reflect inward to find stability in their identities. This inward turn was characterized by a heightened focus on subjective experiences, transforming how individuals relate to their communities and themselves. The evolution has contributed to radical individualism, often leading to confusion about moral and ethical frameworks in contemporary society.
The Triumph of the Therapeutic
Philip Reif's concept of 'psychological man' illustrates a shift where personal fulfillment is driven by psychological well-being rather than societal roles. In this framework, psychological attitudes dominate as individuals seek validation and happiness from their feelings rather than external structures. This therapeutic approach influences modern culture, promoting the idea that emotional health is paramount to a successful life, often at the expense of traditional moral and community values. Reif's observations highlight the complexities of navigating modern identities amidst the pressures of individualism and emotional compliance.
The Societal Consequences of Individualism
Alistair McIntyre argues that the shift toward subjective definitions of self creates challenges in societal discourse, as differing moral perspectives become increasingly incommensurable. Without a common moral language, contentious topics, such as abortion, escalate into emotionally charged debates that lack constructive dialogue. This scenario leads to a phenomenon termed emotivism, where discussions are framed as personal preferences rather than shared values. McIntyre suggests that rebuilding local communities and rediscovering cohesive narratives may offer potential solutions to this disconnection and the moral confusion arising from radical individualism.
When you scroll through social media feeds today, you’ll find countless posts about “living your truth” and “being authentic.” These ideas feel so natural to us now that we rarely stop to ask where they came from or what they really mean.
The concept of identity — how we understand ourselves — has undergone a radical transformation over the centuries. What once was defined primarily by external markers like family, profession, and community has shifted dramatically toward inner feelings, desires, and psychological experiences.
Today on the show, Carl Trueman unpacks this profound change and how we got to the lens through which we view ourselves today. Carl is a professor, theologian, and the author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Throughout our conversation, he explores the insights of three key thinkers — Charles Taylor, Philip Rieff, and Alasdair MacIntyre — who have mapped the historical and cultural shifts that have transformed our ideas of identity. We discuss how this transformation has reshaped politics, education, and religion, while considering whether we’ve lost something essential in moving from a shared understanding of human nature to an increasingly individualized conception of self.
