Dr. John Vervaeke
Autonomy, Authenticity, and the Fragmented Self
Apr 9, 2025
Gregg Henriques, an American psychologist and professor, and Matthew Schaublin, a master's candidate in psychology, dive deep into the essence of authenticity. They explore its historical roots in romanticism and existentialism, drawing from thinkers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard. The duo examines how authenticity intertwines with mental health and societal pressures, revealing tensions between personal identity and social expectations. Their conversation highlights the significance of integrating various aspects of self for a fulfilling, authentic life.
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Quick takeaways
- Authenticity is portrayed as a central contemporary virtue interlinked with autonomy, involving a normative aspect that prescribes ideal behaviors.
- Matthew Schaublin's research on dispositional authenticity highlights how social pressures influence individuals' expressions of their true selves across various contexts.
Deep dives
The Concept of Authenticity
Authenticity is discussed as a key virtue in contemporary society, often paired with autonomy as primary values rooted in modernity. The conversation highlights how authenticity differs from mere description; it embodies a normative aspect that prescribes how individuals ought to behave, invoking respect and imitation. Philosophers like Heidegger have nuanced the term, leading to various interpretations that go beyond its modern connotations related to self-identity. An examination of these interpretations reveals that authenticity may not be as straightforwardly beneficial or desirable as it is often portrayed in popular culture, prompting deeper exploration of its implications.
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