The Existential Imperative

What are important freedoms, and what are the
conditions for their exercise? The influence of
society has a profound impact on one s ability to
execute a distinct pattern of existence. Though
certain outward circumstances make liberty possible,
there are also internal enabling conditions.
Authenticity is the freedom to constitute an inward
principle of organization, one that articulates a
measured valuation of and for the self. Yet,
authenticity requires an awareness of one s
responsibility for freedom, as well as the
recognition that self-expression is meaningful only
in a social context. Consequently, the established
and inherited patterns of communal value are at odds
with one s capacity for original self-definition.
This book examines the problem that occurs when the
enabling conditions for freedom are themselves
obstacles to authenticity. It argues that
self-overcoming is the necessary spiritual resource
for the material production of an authentic self.
Those who are interested in Nietzsche, structural
oppression as a limiting or constricting factor, and
the African-American example of struggle and
overcoming will find this work especially helpful.

Autorentext

Charles H. Watson, PhD: Studied Philosophy and Humanities atStanford University. Assistant Professor of African and AfricanAmerican Studies and Philosophy at Earlham College in Richmond,Indiana. Research interests include 19th Century Philosophy andBlack Social Thought, classical as well as contemporary.

Klappentext

What are important freedoms, and what are theconditions for their exercise? The influence ofsociety has a profound impact on one's ability toexecute a distinct pattern of existence. Thoughcertain outward circumstances make liberty possible,there are also internal enabling conditions.Authenticity is the freedom to constitute an inwardprinciple of organization, one that articulates ameasured valuation of and for the self. Yet,authenticity requires an awareness of one'sresponsibility for freedom, as well as therecognition that self-expression is meaningful onlyin a social context. Consequently, the establishedand inherited patterns of communal value are at oddswith one's capacity for original self-definition.This book examines the problem that occurs when theenabling conditions for freedom are themselvesobstacles to authenticity. It argues thatself-overcoming is the necessary spiritual resourcefor the material production of an authentic self.Those who are interested in Nietzsche, structuraloppression as a limiting or constricting factor, andthe African-American example of struggle andovercoming will find this work especially helpful.