In this course, we will draw on a long lineage of careful philosophical thought as well as contemporary sources to try to understand the call to authenticity, and the many profound questions that surround it. For example, what might it mean to be authentic (as opposed to inauthentic). Why is authenticity valuable and how does it interact with other kinds of values? Are there risks to being authentic? How do we come to knowledge about what is authentic to us? What is the relationship between identity formation, authenticity, and our social embeddedness? How have developments in the modern world (including technology) affected the experience or pursuit of authenticity, and shaped various mediums for authentic expression?

In addition to reading contemporary and historical philosophical texts, we will approach the subject by looking at a range of other mediums and non-academic texts (e.g., film, fiction, music, popular essays) as sources of inspiration and critique.

The course will run as a student-led seminar. Each week a rotation of students will prepare materials to lead the discussion.

Coordinator

Colin Hickey

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Course registration

Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours program. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from Thursday, June 4, 10:00 am to Tuesday, June 9, 11:59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after June 9, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before the end of June 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl.