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[1][4][5].
In 'Being and Time', Heidegger delves into the fundamental question of what it means to 'be'. The book is divided into two main divisions: the first analyzes the existentials of Dasein, or 'being-in-the-world', while the second grounds these existentials in temporality. Heidegger introduces key concepts such as 'Dasein', 'Being-with', and the three temporal ecstases (having-been, present, and to-come), emphasizing that Dasein's existence is essentially futural and characterized by its possibilities and projects. The work challenges traditional philosophical notions of subject and object, instead positing that Dasein is inseparable from its world and historical context[2][4][5].
In this book, Carl Rogers presents his theory of psychotherapy, focusing on client-centered therapy. He argues that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for personal growth and healing. Rogers emphasizes the importance of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness in the therapeutic process. The book explores how individuals can become fully functioning by accepting their feelings, thoughts, and emotions, and by living in the present moment. It also discusses the concept of 'becoming a person' as a continuous process of self-discovery and growth[3][5][4].
Kierkegaard's "On the Concept of Irony" explores irony as a philosophical and literary device, while "The Sickness Unto Death" delves into the nature of despair and the search for meaning in life. Both works are foundational texts in existentialist philosophy. They grapple with themes of individual freedom, responsibility, and the relationship between faith and existence. Kierkegaard's writing style is characterized by its intensely personal and often paradoxical nature, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and experiences. His influence on subsequent thinkers, particularly in existentialism, is undeniable.
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“What does it really mean to be authentic, and can this virtue be meaningfully understood and measured across psychology and philosophy?”
John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques and Matthew Schaublin embark on a discussion covering the concept of authenticity. The discussion explores authenticity as one of the premier virtues of modernity, comparing it with autonomy, and tracing its roots through romanticism and existentialism, notably discussing Heidgegger and Kierkegaard. Greg introduces psychological perspectives and client-centered therapy influenced by Carl Rogers, while Matthew shares insights from his empirical research on dispositional authenticity carried out at the University of Chattanooga. The trio also touch on the tensions between self-identification and participation, self-alienation, cognitive fluency, and the societal quest for authenticity, proposing a nuanced and dynamic understanding of the true self.
Gregg R. Henriques is an American psychologist. He is a professor for the Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, US.
Matthew Schaublin is a master’s candidate in psychology at the University of Chattanooga, with a four-year research focus on authenticity. His work blends empirical psychology with philosophical and classical inquiry, investigating how dispositional authenticity is expressed and experienced.
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Notes:
0:00 Introduction to the Lectern
0:45 Exploring the Concept of Authenticity
3:30 Greg's Perspective on Authenticity
5:00 Matthew's Research on Dispositional Authenticity
9:00 Theoretical Foundations of Authenticity
12:30 Philosophical and Clinical Perspectives
24:30 Relational and Psychological Dimensions
36:30 The Evolution of Self-Definition in Modernity
38:00 The Greek Roots of Authenticity
39:30 Modeling Authenticity and Personality
43:15 Rationalization and Authenticity
44:45 Tensions in Authenticity: Identification vs. Participation
49:00 The SAFE Model of Authenticity
55:00 Empirical Studies on Authenticity and Agency
1:06:30 Key Takeaways and Future Directions
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Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode
Kierkegaard’s Concept of Authenticity
Heidegger’s Use of ‘Authenticity’
Maslow’s Theory of Self-Actualization
Dispositional Authenticity
The SAFE Model of Authenticity
Alienation and Cognitive Fluency
The Ethics of Authenticity by Charles Taylor
On the Concept of Irony and The Sickness Unto Death by Søren Kierkegaard
Being and Time by Martin Heidegger
On Becoming a Person by Carl Rogers
Martin Heidegger
Charles Taylor
Aristotle
Jean-Paul Sartre
Quotes:
”Like, meaning, like rational, authenticity is not just a descriptive term.” -John Vervaeke (2:00)
”Inauthentic living… Tough, you know.” -Gregg Henriques (28:30)
Dr. John Vervaeke 
