Authenticity and Self-Interest

Defining Self-Interest and Authenticity

• Self-interest is defined as understanding how you react in different situations and feeling confident in your decisions. Authenticity arises when decisions feel comfortable, acknowledging changes in oneself. Someone (Anthony) suggests it's authentic to become like those you're with unconsciously or naturally.

Conscious vs. Unconscious Decisions & Authenticity

• The discussion revolves around whether authenticity stems from conscious decisions (being self-aware of changes) or unconscious actions. Daniel argues that conscious decisions, where you know what you're doing, are authentic.
• An analogy is drawn to driving: unconsciously driving home versus consciously making decisions. The idea of a false binary is introduced, questioning the separation between conscious and unconscious actions.

Social Norms and Authenticity

• Social expectations, like saying "good morning," are examined. Saying it out of politeness, even when not meaning it, is questioned in terms of authenticity. Blake doesn't view it as offensive. Jake thinks it's based on what you want.

True Self: Feelings vs. Rational Choices

• The core question is, "What is yourself?" One perspective is that your feelings and emotions define your true self. Another suggests that rational, active choices define it. It's questioned whether these are mutually exclusive.
• Feelings are considered more authentic. Conformity to society is viewed as potentially inauthentic if it clashes with one's feelings. Conformity is like an societal thing.
• Maximally differing from others isn't necessarily authentic; it's about being similar to who you are, irrespective of others.

Rational Choices vs. Authentic Self

• Rational choices can obstruct one's authentic self. Many may not know what they truly want authentically, leading to rational decisions that may feel inauthentic. Feelings are seen as uncontrollable and potentially the most authentic aspect.
• Feelings might not always be authentic because of societal influences.
• Rational choice is described as a deliberative process. Actions, even if well-considered, may not align with one's authentic self due to emotions.

Defining the "Whole Self"

• There's a suggestion of a third option: the "whole self," encompassing feelings and rational choices. The discussion seeks to define what encompasses that whole self.

Influence of Others and Objectivity

• The definition of self extends beyond personal perception to include how others perceive you. Others' views can affect you and potentially define you.
• Being bipolar is mentioned as a condition where an episode can alter their sense of self. Authenticity is viewed as being in the moment, particularly in conditions like personality disorders.

Authenticity and Long-Term Decisions

• The discussion shifts to whether authenticity is relevant for long-term decisions (e.g., career, relationships). If authenticity is moment-based, its value in long-term planning is questioned.
• It's proposed that decisions can be inauthentic, but change itself is always authentic.

Personal Anecdote: Physics and Theology

• An anecdote is shared about switching from theoretical physics to theology and the authenticity.
• It's suggested that an interest in physics may not have been authentic, driven by community and grades rather than genuine passion.

Authenticity in Decision-Making

• It's noted that you can be authentic in choosing, but that doesn't mean it will be a good decision.
• Circumstances can force changes that feel like rational choices rather than authentic desires. A real-life example involves choosing a school for its reputation versus personal fit.

Peer Pressure: Good or Bad?

• Peer pressure is explored. Authenticity: acting to be different from others versus conforming. Peer pressure can obscure one's unique self and erode difference.
• Differently described Conformity is viewed as bad if it stems from bad decision-making, not necessarily because of a loss of authenticity.
• Peer pressure isn't inherently bad; it can lead to personal growth and better decision-making by emulating good influences.
• The focus should be on making good choices rather than worrying about authenticity.

Growth and Authenticity

• Growth is viewed as partially inauthentic because it involves change, possibly squashing feelings or signals from the body. The goodness in partial authenticity?
• Bad decisions stem the from peer pressure to smoke; a bad decision stems from the from peer pressure to workout.

Morality and Authenticity

• Authenticity is linked to morality; listening to one's inner voice helps discern right from wrong. Authenticity is important because it helps you make good decisions.
• Charles Taylor reading talks about Augustine and his book, confessions. He finds god by looking inwards.

Mental, Emotional, and Physical Authenticity

• The discussion considers whether authenticity is mental, emotional, or physical. Being true to oneself involves an evaluation of which aspect of the self to prioritize.
• Conflicts within oneself are normal, and authenticity involves choosing which part of oneself to be true to.

Multiple Selves and Decision-Making

• If multiple selves exist, rational choice allows you to choose between them. A third perspective adds experiences, growing experiences, rational choices, social norms, and feelings.
• Growing experiences could be a cause of an authentic self. You have to find the self you want to be true too.
• When someone has multiple selves, can authenticity be saved. Is it bad to be true to yourself?

Authenticity: Openness vs. Decision-Making

• Two definitions of authenticity exist: being open when sharing with others and making decisions true to oneself. Authenticity must be used for 2 things
• Openness is viewed as inherently good, and making decisions is not always a good thing.

Is Authenticity Useful?

• The utility of authenticity is questioned. In decision-making, authenticity may not always lead to optimal outcomes. Lactose intolerant person has the option of drinking more. He makes a good decision in the moment with his lactose intolerance.
• In small decisions, authenticity may guide choices, but rational considerations are often necessary.

Private vs. Public Self

• The discussion questions whether the self is private or if it is also public. A is completely internal and must be seen by you. In a public, authentically yourself, yes?

Authenticity When Alone

• The question arises whether one can only be authentically themselves when alone. The code-switching isn't real if someone isn't really real about themselves.
• Is that authentically yourself? Others are seeing you, of course, but you're doing something else that's not authentic. You're actually and you're not