Charles Taylor On The Authentic Self

This paper attempts to trace Charles Taylor’s thoughts on the elaboration of authentic self,and explore why authentic self is a moral ideal containing tension in nature,so as to grasp its wholeness and richness.Through this picture of the complete and rich authentic self,we not only form a new perspective on the individualistic dilemma of self-actualization,but also distinguish the various variations and shallow forms of authenticity,such as solipsism,self-indulgence and transcendent aesthetic self.And refute the belittling concept of this culture,such as relativism,value subjectivism and so on;Moreover,we can also see the richness of higher dimensions of self,such as the expressionist self.From the perspective of the whole,the authentic self transcends the self-degradation and division caused by ordinary moral conflicts.However,such transcendence is not the absolute abandonment of morality,but standing on a higher horizon,examining various conflicts and contradictions caused by the tension of self.Where the ego is dragged to the shallow and the low,we also see the way to the higher through Taylor’s holistic vision.While pursuing the goal of self-actualization,the ego is not limited to the closed ego,but focuses on the transcendental vision and attaches importance to the responsibility of the ego to morality and others.However,each goal and responsibility involves our conscience due to its own good,and the value conflict of multiple good is inevitable.Therefore,we can only look at and tolerate the selfopposition in a holistic perspective,both engaged in the struggle and beyond.Only such a self is rich and complete,can avoid flat,shallow andThis paper first expounds the moral ideal pursued by the truth of an ideal,and then traces the goal pursued by the truth and its historical origin: the internalization of morality and the subjectivism of things bring a new dimension to the understanding of self,which has inner depth,so it needs to be re-interpreted,created and realized.Secondly,through the analysis of the relationship between authenticity and self-identity,on the one hand,it reveals the requirements of authenticity itself: inescapable vision;On the other hand,it explores the condition that must be followed to realize authenticity:self in dialogue.Thus the whole and tension picture of authenticity is drawn.Thirdly,through the elaboration of "the need for recognition","the two forms of subjectivity" and "the multiple conflicts of the good",the integration of the tension of authenticity is analyzed,so as to show the rich colors of authenticity self.Finally,through the description of "connection with nature",it reveals the important characteristics of a higher mode of authentic self.