In the present master thesis, the reader will find a basic overview of authenticity. One focus of this paper is to expose transformations and ideas of the western society that enabled the emergence of modern ideal of authenticity. Premodern experience of authenticity excises what is particular and the distinctive in the self, so that it can match the ideal that determines the function of the individual. In the context of romanticism, authenticity questions the legitimacy of hierarchical institutions. New meanings of authentic selfhood emerge, it is now understood as something mysterious, inexplicable and deep-seated. The most important romantic thinker of authenticity is Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as his thought on authenticity is based on subjective truth. The reader will also find some of the most influential literary works, that provide new ideals of authenticity in some form or content. It is also determined that the decentralized subject of postmodern thought is unable to be authentic. On the basis of historical overview, most important models of authenticity are constructed. Inner sense and productionist model of authenticity are critically examined.
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