The text can be found here. Alternatively, you can watch this interview with the author. 

Key Points

The article distinguishes four main dimensions of authenticity: self-knowledge (knowing who you truly are), self-expression (openly expressing your true self), independence (living free from the distorting pressure of social norms), and coherence (having values, traits, and goals that fit together).

Not all lies threaten authenticity equally — lies about peripheral matters are less damaging than "personally significant" lies about one's core values, beliefs, or identity.

The reasons behind a lie matter. Lying to conform or manipulate undermines authenticity; lying that flows naturally from who you genuinely are may not.

Most liars fail on multiple dimensions of authenticity, and all fail on authenticity as self-expression. If you care about authenticity, you should probably avoid personally significant lies.

Discussion Questions

The paradox. Some notorious liars are widely praised as authentic. Does this reveal something confused about how we use "authenticity," or something genuinely complex about what the concept means?

Dimensions of authenticity. Which of the four dimensions do you find most compelling as an ideal? Do any of them conflict with each other?

The reasons for lying. Leuenberger argues that why you lie matters enormously. Do you find the distinction between lying to conform versus lying as an expression of who you are persuasive?

Authenticity vs. honesty. The article suggests authenticity and honesty are related but separable values. What's lost if we decouple them?

Real-world application. Think of someone — real or fictional — you'd describe as authentic. Does Leuenberger's framework capture what you mean?

These sessions are participant-driven discussions focused on philosophical essays, facilitated by a trained CU Boulder philosopher. Our goal at each discussion is to build a philosophical dialogue by investigating as a community of thinkers. Each session focuses on a philosophical text, but we do not regard the authors we read as unquestionable authorities. Rather, we consider each author to be another voice in our shared dialogue. 

To prepare, please read the selected text to the best of your ability. Most months you'll find a reading guide linked above. If you are unable to read ahead, please come anyway. We recommend bring a copy of the reading with you - digital or printed out.

At the discussion, after brief introductions and a review of the discussion policies, the facilitator will ask participants to share questions and ideas for group discussion.  The facilitator will then guide the group in working through as many of their questions as possible before recapping and wrapping up the discussion.

No background in philosophy is expected or required. We are excited to discuss the ideas raised by your interaction with the text!

Click here for our discussion guidelines.

Boulder Public Library "Classics of Philosophy" reading group:

We used to have a group just like this group, but meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month. This group has closed, but you can still brows the list of past sessions for ideas on things to read!

Great philosophy podcasts

The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps - Over 350 episodes covering various philosophers and topics. Includes episode series on Indian philosophy and Africana philosophy.

Hi-Phi Nation - approximately 40 episodes (as of 2020) that discuss philosophical ideas in contemporary contexts.  The most recent seasons have focused on issues of justice and politics.

Discussion groups

Grey Havens Philosophy - A Longmont, CO based nonprofit running weekly and monthly philosophical discussion groups for all ages.

Your local philosophers!

Philosophy Department at the University of Colorado - Boulder