Key Concepts from The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

Sherlock Holmes Quote: "You see, but you do not observe."
Main Thesis: The sexual revolution reflects a deeper revolution in understanding selfhood.
Sex and Identity: Sexuality is linked to the essence of being an authentic person, a claim once unprecedented in history.
Three Key Theorists: Charles Taylor (philosopher), Philip Rieff (sociologist), Alasdair MacIntyre (ethicist) studied modernity and the emergence of the modern self.
Social Imaginary: Defined as the collective, intuitive beliefs and practices within a society influencing behavior.
- Authority Shift: A movement from Christian-based authority to individual psychological conviction for identity.
Mimesis vs. Poiesis: Mimesis values objective meaning; poiesis sees the individual as creating meaning. - Culture has shifted from mimetic (fixed meanings) to poietic (individual meanings).
Philip Rieff's Contribution: Cultures defined by what they forbid; modernity reflects a shift toward expressive individualism.
Cultural Pathologies: Disconnected from a sacred order leading to instability in moral discussions.
Modern Attitudes: Identity is flexible, with societal implications for various sexual and gender identities, including the LGBTQ+ movement.