To Be Or Not To Be

Understanding Authenticity from an Existential Perspective

Abstract

Authenticity is a word often heard within an existential context, but seldom is it given suitable explanation. This paper examines the concept of authenticity, beginning with its origins in Heidegger's 'eigentlich' and the misunderstandings enveloped in translation. The most important facets of authentic being are also discussed. These include freedom, meaning, anxiety, guilt, and death, and some attention is given to how these relate to one another. Not to dismiss the difficulties that exist around understanding authenticity, consideration is also given to the misinterpretations of the concept, the question of morality, and the paradox of being authentic while equally 'Being-in-the-world'. 'To be or not to be: that is the question'. This oft spoken line from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" seems to provide a most appropriate opening for a discussion on the meaning of authenticity from an existential perspective. While this line is traditionally interpreted as Hamlet's contemplation of suicide, it could certainly be considered as Hamlet's reflection of something much broader, that is, his existence. If this is taken as the case, it invites questions of what it really means to 'be'. This appears to be a fitting contemplation for young Hamlet in the context of the play, and it is a theme which Shakespeare explores further in the play when Polonius proclaims to Laertes: 'To thine own self be true'. Is this concept of being true to oneself what we mean by authentic? This essay endeavours to discuss such questions. It will begin by looking at the origins and definitions of these concepts, followed by a description of the fundamental aspects related to authentic being. The misinterpretation of authenticity is also discussed, together with some comment of the moral implications surrounding existential thought. Finally, the idea of authenticity within a world of 'being-with-others' will be considered.