Episode #239 ... Authenticity and the history of the self. (Charles Taylor)

Episode #239 ... Authenticity and the history of the self. (Charles Taylor)

From Philosophize This! by Stephen West

October 17, 2025 · 35 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Charles Taylor's views on the modern self and the concept of authenticity.

Today we talk about the work of the philosopher Charles Taylor. First, we trace the historical origins of how he views the modern self. From the Greeks to the Reformation. From Descartes to Rousseau. The modern self to him is something "irreconcilably multileveled". Then we talk about our modern focus on authenticity as a moral ideal and why Taylor thinks many people misunderstand what it requires. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: The Perfect Jean: https://theperfectjean.nyc Code: PT15 Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Stephen West

Topics covered

  • authenticity
  • philosophy
  • history of the self
  • Charles Taylor
  • modern self
  • moral ideal

Keywords

  • Charles Taylor
  • modern self
  • authenticity
  • philosophy
  • historical origins

Sponsors

The Perfect Jean, Better Help

More episodes of Philosophize This!

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Philosophize This! podcast page.