Authenticity as an ethical ideal / Somogy Varga.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Varga, Somogy, 1974-

Series:

Routledge studies in contemporary philosophy ; 33.

Routledge studies in contemporary philosophy ; 33

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Authenticity (Philosophy).

Ethics, Modern.

Critical theory.

Physical Description:

185 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

New York : Routledge, 2012.

Summary:

Authenticity has become a widespread ethical ideal. It represents a way of dealing with normative gaps in this age. It suggests that one should be true to oneself and lead a life expressive of what one takes oneself to be. However, many contemporary thinkers have pointed out that the ideal of authenticity has increasingly turned into aestheticism and egoistic self-indulgence. In his book, Varga 's systematic, detailed attempt to construct a critical concept of authenticity takes into account the reciprocal shaping of capitalism and the ideal of authenticity. Drawing on different traditions in critical social theory, moral philosophy and phenomenology, Varga constructs a concept of authenticity that can make problematic practices of self-aestheticism and atomist self-indulgence intelligible.

Contents:

The sources of authenticity

Towards a "formal" concept of authenticity

The paradox of authenticity.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780415895330

0415895332

9780203146323

0203146328

OCLC:

698324494