#Freedom and Responsibility

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Good and Bad Faith

The philosophy of good faith and bad faith primarily explores concepts related to authenticity, self-deception, and the nature of human existence, especially within the framework of existentialism. These ideas are most famously articulated by Jean-Paul Sartre, a leading figure in existentialist philosophy. The notions of good faith (bonne foi) and bad faith (mauvaise foi) deal with how individuals confront their freedom, responsibilities, and the choices they make in defining their existence.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of Good Faith and Bad Faith:

Existentialism and Human Freedom:

Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialist philosophy, particularly as developed by Sartre, emphasizes that human beings are radically free. This freedom is not just the ability to make choices but a fundamental condition of human existence. However, with this freedom comes the burden of responsibility for one’s actions and the meaning one creates in life.

Existence Precedes Essence: Sartre’s famous dictum, "existence precedes essence," suggests that humans are not born with a predetermined nature or purpose. Instead, individuals must create their own essence through their actions and choices. This process is central to the ideas of good faith and bad faith.

Bad Faith (Mauvaise Foi):

Self-Deception: Bad faith involves deceiving oneself to avoid the discomfort of facing one’s freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. It is a form of self-deception where individuals lie to themselves about the nature of their choices or circumstances to escape the anxiety associated with their freedom.

Examples of Bad Faith: Sartre provides examples of bad faith, such as a waiter who over-identifies with his role, acting as if he is merely a waiter and nothing more, or a person who claims they had no choice but to act in a certain way, thereby denying their freedom. In both cases, the individual denies their full humanity by reducing themselves to fixed roles or circumstances.

Denial of Freedom: In bad faith, individuals deny their freedom by attributing their actions to external forces, such as societal roles, expectations, or determinism. They avoid acknowledging that they always have a choice, even in the most constrained situations.

Good Faith (Bonne Foi):

Authenticity: In contrast to bad faith, good faith involves living authentically, fully acknowledging and embracing one’s freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. A person in good faith recognizes that they are the source of their actions and the creator of their own values and meaning.

Embracing Responsibility: Living in good faith requires accepting the anxiety and uncertainty that come with freedom. It involves making choices based on genuine reflection and accepting the consequences of those choices without resorting to excuses or self-deception.

Authentic Existence: Good faith aligns with the existentialist ideal of living an authentic life. This means being true to oneself, making decisions based on one’s own values rather than conforming to external pressures or societal norms.

The Role of Others:

The Look (Le Regard): Sartre also explores how the presence of others affects our experience of good faith and bad faith. Through the concept of "the look," Sartre describes how being seen by others can lead to a sense of objectification, where one becomes aware of oneself as an object in another’s perception. This can lead to bad faith if one starts to see oneself solely through the eyes of others, denying one’s own freedom and subjectivity.

Interpersonal Relationships: Relationships with others are often a battleground for authenticity. In good faith, individuals engage with others without trying to dominate or submit, recognizing both their own and the other’s freedom. In bad faith, relationships are marked by attempts to control or escape the freedom of the self and the other.

Anxiety (Angoisse) and Bad Faith:

Existential Anxiety: The recognition of one’s absolute freedom and the weight of responsibility can lead to existential anxiety. This anxiety arises from the realization that there is no predetermined path or external authority to guide one’s choices—each individual must create their own meaning.

Avoidance of Anxiety: Bad faith often serves as a coping mechanism to avoid this anxiety. By convincing oneself that they are bound by external factors, individuals can temporarily escape the daunting reality of their freedom. However, this comes at the cost of living inauthentically.

Ethical Implications:

Ethics of Authenticity: The philosophy of good faith and bad faith has significant ethical implications. It suggests that living ethically involves being true to oneself, acknowledging one’s freedom, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. This form of authenticity is seen as a moral ideal in existentialist thought.

Critique of Social Roles: Sartre’s critique of bad faith extends to societal roles and norms, which can be sources of inauthenticity. He argues that when people blindly conform to societal expectations, they deny their freedom and fall into bad faith. Ethical living requires questioning these roles and choosing one’s path consciously.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Ambiguity of Authenticity: One challenge in the philosophy of good faith is defining what it means to live authentically. Since existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, there is no universal standard for authenticity, which can make the concept seem vague or subjective.

Relativism: Critics argue that the emphasis on personal freedom and authenticity can lead to moral relativism, where any choice is justified as long as it is made authentically. However, existentialists like Sartre contend that authenticity requires more than just arbitrary choice—it demands a deep engagement with one’s freedom and responsibility.

The philosophy of good faith and bad faith provides a powerful framework for understanding human freedom, responsibility, and the quest for an authentic life. It challenges individuals to confront their freedom honestly, without resorting to self-deception or excuses, and to live in a way that is true to their own values and potential. By exploring the dynamics of self-deception and authenticity, this philosophy offers profound insights into the nature of human existence and the ethical challenges that come with it.

[theresilientphilosopher]

Is America facing a constitutional crisis, or a philosophical one? Explore what the Constitution truly says and what The Resilient Philosopher believes we must reclaim.

[dleondantes]

Is America facing a constitutional crisis, or a philosophical one? Explore what the Constitution truly says and what The Resilient Philosopher believes we must reclaim.

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

MDZS x Firefly AU: A ragtag crew.

[ky-landfill]

If you would be so inclined, I'd really love to see Damian with sheep or goats.

I have in my head a little AU where Jason takes Damian from the league, and they live nomadically for a while in Central Asia. But also, just any context of sheep or goats and Damian would make my day, but also no pressure, just if this happens to vibe with you, too. I absolutely love your art, even when it's fandoms I don't even know anything about.

[cryptocism]

Do you ship BartKon or Timkon or something else? Really, who do you ship Kon with? Maybe I want to hear all your ships

Just say as much as you want really

there's evidence for both my bartkon and timkon affinities on this blog (and the much rarer, most refined of timbarts)

the truth is i like pretty much any ship as long as its got an interesting dynamic to play off of (and usually comedy potential) and kon is a great character because he has an interesting dynamic with basically everybody

the yj crew in general has kind of a perfect blend of defined characters and interesting dynamics that could create all kinds of cool story potential, romantic or not. but vis a vis Romances Specifically..... hold on you've got me thinking about this now im gonna do a thing one sec

ok now that ive successfully pepe silvia'd this

cissie and anita are such perfect foils for each other man.... if yj 98 picked back up where it left off, i think anita's parents should be aged up again pretty quickly, but in the interim i would love to see these two forced into a caretaking duo

anita + slobo, self explanatory. nobody knows whats going on with them except for them and i think that's beautiful. matching each others freak 4ever

i think most of them should have unrequited crushes on each other bc it would be funny namely the slobo>thad>kon clone crush conga line + the kon>bart>tim pining isoceles

greta queen of unrequited pining she is out here stalking she is out here threatening perceived romantic rivals she is ending the world she does it all and not having powers would not stop her

tim dating bernard is canon but i think it would be funny if they're both also into kon (plus ideally steph would lowkey be dating tim too + dating cass but that's batfam shit Whatever)

medium hot take i think kon and cassie should date sometimes bc they're best friends and love each other. just constantly walking the line of platonic/romantic and changing statuses every other month

love cissiecassie but i also think it's funnier if they've never kissed and just thought really hard about it and there was never a right time

cassie + rose self explanatory they should invent new and fucked up ways to murder each other romantically

i also want cassie chronically fumbling a rotating cast of civilian/villain/hero side characters bc she's got that peter parker syndrome where she can pull anybody and everybody but the universe is not on her side when it comes to being a good girlfriend (especially now that dc seems committed to tim no longer fumbling all of his relationships. gang we need a fumbler and cassie is right there)

i realize now i made a chart for romance but the only two i have actually dating is tim/bernard lol. the rest are either unrequited or "it's complicated"

[batboopp]

as much as I love batgirl 2024, I have to admit the lack of Barbara Gordon mentions in the whole series so far, especially with the first arc having such a big theme of motherhood/daughterhood and the things that comes with it, makes me soo sad. Barbara was the first person Cass actually considered as a mother! Barbara, although she wasn’t the best at it at first, truly did try to understand and love Cass unconditionally even when she was separated from the Bat mantle! And that panel where Cass overhears Barbara tell Dick that she doesn’t know how to really care for Cass could’ve been the perfect parallel to the whole “is a Mother just being connected by blood? No, Something more is owed/Being a daughter is more than being connected by blood” lines that Cass says in the last (current) issue because Barbara, though she did not physically bring Cass into this world, has sacrificed SO much for her, and in return Cass gave so much back.

[philosophybits]

To will oneself free is also to will others free. This will is not an abstract formula. It points out to each person concrete action to be achieved.

Simone de Beauvoir, The Ethics of Ambiguity

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Authenticity

The concept of authenticity is deeply rooted in existentialist philosophy and has been a significant topic of discussion in various philosophical traditions. At its core, authenticity involves living a life that is true to one's self, values, and beliefs, rather than conforming to external pressures or societal expectations. This exploration delves into the philosophy of authenticity, its origins, key ideas, and its relevance in contemporary life.

Key Concepts in the Philosophy of Authenticity

Existentialism and Authenticity:

Origins: The notion of authenticity is most closely associated with existentialist philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

Kierkegaard: Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of individual faith and subjective experience, urging individuals to make authentic choices that reflect their true selves.

Heidegger: In "Being and Time," Heidegger discusses authenticity as being true to one's own existence (Dasein) and not succumbing to the "they-self," which represents societal norms and expectations.

Sartre: Sartre's existentialism posits that existence precedes essence, meaning individuals must create their own essence through authentic choices, taking full responsibility for their actions.

Authenticity and Self-Discovery:

Concept: Authenticity involves a continuous process of self-discovery and self-creation.

Argument: To be authentic, one must engage in introspection and recognize their own desires, values, and beliefs, distinguishing them from those imposed by society.

Authenticity vs. Inauthenticity:

Concept: Inauthenticity arises when individuals conform to external pressures and live in a way that is not true to themselves.

Argument: Heidegger describes inauthenticity as living according to the "they-self," where individuals adopt the roles, behaviors, and beliefs dictated by others rather than their own.

Freedom and Responsibility:

Concept: Authenticity is closely linked to the existentialist notion of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.

Argument: Sartre asserts that individuals are "condemned to be free," meaning they must take responsibility for their choices and the authenticity of their lives, without blaming external factors.

Authenticity in Modern Life:

Concept: The pursuit of authenticity remains relevant in the context of modernity, where societal norms, technological advancements, and consumer culture often challenge individual authenticity.

Argument: In contemporary society, maintaining authenticity involves resisting the pressures of social media, consumerism, and other external influences that promote a superficial or conformist lifestyle.

Theoretical Perspectives on Authenticity

Existentialist Perspective:

View: Existentialists emphasize the importance of individual choice and responsibility in achieving authenticity.

Argument: Authenticity is achieved through existential freedom, where individuals define their own essence and live according to their true selves.

Humanistic Psychology:

View: Humanistic psychologists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow highlight authenticity as a crucial aspect of self-actualization and personal growth.

Argument: Authentic living is necessary for psychological well-being and fulfillment, as it allows individuals to realize their true potential.

Postmodern Critique:

View: Postmodern thinkers critique the concept of authenticity, questioning the possibility of a true, stable self in a world of constant change and fluid identities.

Argument: Authenticity may be seen as a constructed ideal rather than an attainable state, with the self being a product of various social, cultural, and historical influences.

Cultural and Social Perspectives:

View: Cultural and social theorists examine how authenticity is influenced by cultural norms and social contexts.

Argument: The quest for authenticity must consider the diverse ways in which different cultures and societies understand and value authentic living.

The philosophy of authenticity centers on the pursuit of a life that is true to one's self, free from the constraints of external pressures and societal expectations. Rooted in existentialist thought, it emphasizes self-discovery, individual freedom, and responsibility. While authenticity remains a crucial concept in contemporary life, it is also subject to critique and reinterpretation, reflecting the complexities of modern existence.

[rosielindy]

I am permanently stepping back from all delusional people (mostly extended family) in my life. I don’t want to debate with them, my energy is better spent elsewhere.

From this point forward I will counter anyone who makes a statement about this traitor’s great character, especially when it’s based on staged events any fool could see are for photo ops only. No way to polish this turd, nope not having it. 💩💩💩💩

OMG, I’m really disappointed with some of the folks, I never wanted to believe they were this stupid. I refuse to pretend it’s ok. Not a matter of politics at this point, it’s a chasm between polar opposite personal values and worldviews.

Time to unleash and amplify the energy from the dawning of the age of Aquarius. It’s real, y’all.

💗💗💗💗

[gojoest]

[theactualsunshinechild]

I think Aventio and Screwtio shippers shouldn't fight. After all, Ratio has two hands!

That's right. Two hands.

One for his chalk.

One for his codex.

Both of which he's holding in an embarrassed death grip as they chat away with each other about him.

[angelmush]

day 2 of adult job and i almost puked from anxiety this morning lolll

[ky-landfill]

If ya in the mood: can you do Kon, kid jon and kid Chris please or whenever you can?

Kent household unearthed camcorder footage

[looney-mooney-studio]

I know Lezah is dead. I KNOW. But her last name is Sllew and she SLAYS. I want to give her apple juice and trail mix with extra raisins in it as a snack break from breaking convention regulations

[loriache]

honestly i'm kind of interested in the idea of laios in an arranged marriage. because obviously straight-up inherited monarchies are ...bad, to say the least! but it's what the characters are familiar with (even laios' father's extremely local, extremely minor leadership role is inherited, presumably through the male line). and it isn't just about what they think the best way to run melini is; in terms of ensuring that the other longed-lived nations respect melini's continued sovereignty, having it passed down in a manner that's close enough to their own ways for them to understand it and respect it is important. And it seems like most of the other nations have leadership through inheritance - thought that isn't confirmed for certain except with the elves.

Also, a marriage carries the potential to establish foreign allies - something melini is certainly lacking. A marriage could come with resources they'll badly need, treaties of mutual defence, money, legitimacy and political capital... not that these things can't be worked around, but if laios isn't strongly opposed, there are a lot of advantages! and i don't think he would be, because that's the framework for marriage (conferring practical advantages, building intracommunity relationships and providing a partner to do important work that he can't do) that he had grown up with. he isn't exactly a romantic and I doubt he's holding out for any sort of relationship of that nature.

Like, I don't think it's impossible that they would go with this path, because it's the most obvious and it carries a lot of advantages and it's what almost all the decision-making characters would consider normal and not objectionable. and it could be so interesting.

I think Laios would have major hangups if expected (i.e., by Marcille) to establish a genuine, romantic interest in a woman. Whether because of his sexual or romantic orientation, or just his own deep-seated trauma about rejection and being inherently disgusting and scary. And I think he'd hate the idea of having kids, too, and be very frightened of being like his father. But I don't think he'd refuse on that basis; he could cope with a marriage contract, with clearly laid-out expectations and responsibilities. And when it came to having a kid, I think he'd be reluctant to express that he doesn't want to do it, because he isn't naive and he understood when he agreed to be king it would carry responsibilities like this. It's clear from his nightmare that he already felt pressure from his parents to have children, probably magnified by the fact his father has got a position, responsibilities and wealth to pass on. Obviously he isn't a perfect martyr, so he might struggle when it comes to actually going through with it - but I don't think he'd actually, outright refuse. I think he might do it even though he doesn't want to, and I think that could be really messy in a way that appeals to me.

I don't know, there's something about negotiating these kinds of complicated situations that's interesting to me. and i love a platonic marriage. If they find a woman who has an interest in education, for example, and can work with marcille on setting up schools and universities. she'd ideally be politically savvy enough to be an able partner to laios: even though kabru can and would continue to do a lot of that, there are different spheres that a queen and a prime minister can work within!

how would their relationship work? maybe she finds laios' perspective on the world, and his frankness, unexpectedly liberating after an extremely controlled, cloistered upbringing. maybe she had a rebellious phase, has magic, or something else which makes her a relatively unpopular candidate for marriage - even as melini grows in power, i doubt that they'd be getting offers for the cream of the crop in terms of perceived value on the marriage market, because laios' relationship is a bit too ambivalent/monstrous for that, and melini too new. maybe she's a widow! an older woman, wouldn't that be cool - though they'd want her young enough that she could definitely still have kids.

certainly i think he'd be happy for her to pursue other relationships, though ideally in a manner that couldn't produce illegitimate kids. with other relationships in play, that's even more interesting. like, both kabru and toshiro have complicated emotions relating to infidelity. i think kabru would actually find it quite cathartic to be in the kind of high-status environment that rejected his mother for perceived infidelity, pursuing an affair that all parties consent to, though he'd likely be incredibly aware of the public image - since "image" is what he was rejected for. toshiro... i just really really love the way he'd feel about being the "other woman" in laios' marriage, considering his feelings about his father and maizuru. especially given how much closer he is to maizuru than his mother, being in her position...! his emotions would be so complex, it's incredibly tasty. i bet he'd make a bunch of assumptions about how laios' wife feels about it and be totally wrong, and that's so interesting. also, i think laios' wife should fuck marcille (she and falin have an open relationship).