One of the central themes in Martin Heidegger’s philosophy, particularly in his magnum opus Being and Time, is the distinction between living an authentic and an inauthentic life. These concepts of authenticity (Eigentlichkeit) and inauthenticity (Uneigentlichkeit) are key to understanding Heidegger’s existential analysis of human existence, or Dasein.
Understanding Authenticity
Authenticity in Heidegger’s philosophy refers to a mode of existence in which Dasein (the being that we ourselves are) fully acknowledges and embraces its own potential for Being. An authentic life is one where an individual confronts the fundamental realities of existence, including the inevitability of death, and makes choices that reflect a deep understanding of their own unique situation in the world.
For Heidegger, living authentically means accepting that one’s life is finite and that each individual has the responsibility to live in a way that is true to their own potential. This involves a deep engagement with the question of Being, where Dasein recognizes that it is not merely one entity among others but a being that is uniquely capable of understanding its own existence.
Authenticity also involves a sense of urgency and resoluteness. Heidegger argues that an authentic Dasein does not simply follow the norms and expectations of society without question. Instead, it reflects on its own possibilities and makes decisions that are genuinely its own, rather than being dictated by the impersonal "they" (das Man), which represents the social conventions and norms that often guide inauthentic behavior.
The Pitfall of Inauthenticity
In contrast, inauthenticity occurs when Dasein avoids confronting the realities of its existence, particularly the reality of its own mortality. An inauthentic life is characterized by a lack of self-reflection, where an individual is absorbed in the distractions of the everyday world and conforms to societal expectations without considering their own unique possibilities.
Heidegger describes this inauthentic mode of existence as being dominated by the "they." In inauthenticity, Dasein is guided by what "one does" or what "they say" rather than by its own understanding of its potential. This leads to a kind of alienation, where Dasein is estranged from its true self and lives according to the dictates of others.
The concept of fallenness (Verfallenheit) is central to Heidegger’s understanding of inauthenticity. He argues that in our everyday lives, we are often "fallen" into the world, meaning that we are caught up in the routines and distractions that prevent us from living authentically. This fallenness is not necessarily negative, as it is a natural part of human existence, but Heidegger emphasizes the importance of becoming aware of it and striving toward authenticity.
Implications for Freedom and Responsibility
Heidegger’s distinction between authenticity and inauthenticity has profound implications for our understanding of human freedom and responsibility. In an authentic mode of existence, individuals recognize that they have the freedom to shape their own lives and the responsibility to make choices that reflect their true potential. This contrasts with the inauthentic mode, where individuals may feel trapped by societal norms and expectations, unaware of the freedom they possess.
Living authentically requires a kind of courage—what Heidegger calls resoluteness (Entschlossenheit)—to face the anxieties and uncertainties of existence without falling back into inauthentic ways of being. It involves an ongoing process of self-reflection and decision-making that acknowledges the realities of existence, particularly the reality of death.