Abstract
The aim of the paper is to provide a philosophical account of our sense that some people are more their own person than others. I begin by exposing the weaknesses in three possible accounts, which I label the "interventionist", the "existentialist" and the "ideal" accounts. I then go on to argue that the distinguishing feature of those who are their own person is that their natural inclinations are accurately expressed in their behaviour.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 447-466 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Ethical Theory and Moral Practice |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- authenticity
- Berlin
- character-formation
- existentialism
- Frankfurt
- individual nature
- Mill
- Nietzsche
- real desires
- Sartre