Year
2012
Season
Spring
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics (MA)
Department
Philosophy and Religious Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Erinn Gilson
Second Advisor
Dr. Hans-Herbert Koegler
Third Advisor
Dr. Murray Skees
Department Chair
Dr. Andrew Buchwalter
College Dean
Dr. Hans-Herbert Koegler
Abstract
In a world bombarded with advertisements, it may be difficult for the development of an authentic self. Authenticity is a mode of existence in which there is ownership in the sense of self, while at the same time being able to present this sense of self to others. To be authentic is to act and live in a way that expresses a genuine concern for the self in which projects and goals pursued. The sense of self is the feeling of genuineness of the self and representing this self requires actions that correlate to these feelings. Advertisements act as communication to the public in an attempt to persuade people to purchase products. The tactics that advertising agencies use cause people and society to internalize these messages, in effect, influencing the way people experience the world. Thus, advertising can have a harmful effect on an individual by hindering the development of an authentic self. I will first explain the concept of authenticity, following a discussion of how people organize experience by means of George Mead’s concept of the ‘I’ and the ‘me.’ I will then provide a description of Martin Heidegger’s account on authenticity in juxtaposition with Sartre’s contrasting forms of inauthenticity by means of bad faith. Finally, I will discuss the damaging effects that advertising has to authenticity, and suggest ways to successfully exist in a world full of these advertisements.
Suggested Citation
Abapo, Lorivie, "The Authentic Self and Advertising : The Effects Advertising has on the Formation of the Authentic Self" (2012). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 392.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/392