Spirituality and The Ethics of Authenticity

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Spirituality and The Ethics of Authenticity

• Michael L. Penn, Ph.D.
• Franklin Marshall College

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The Authenticity Project

• William S. Hatcher
• Mary K. Radpour
• Lonya Osokin
• Sheri Dressler
• Michael L. Penn

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The Ethics of Relational Authenticity

• The proper development of a human life requires
  an understanding of the nature of value and the
  application of that understanding in our lives.
• There are at least two kinds of value intrinsic
  value and extrinsic value.

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The Ethics of Relational Authenticity
The intrinsic value of an entity is, in part, a
function of an entitys complexity and
potentiality. As the most complex entity in the
known universe, the human person embodies the
highest expression of value in the natural world.
The central purposes of an authentically human
life is to recognize, protect and cultivate this
value. The cultivation of this value results in
the development of the human spirit.
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Intrinsic Value Extrinsic Value
Inherent Value Recognized Value Function of
complexity and potentiality Provides basis of
Human Rights claims Transcultural
trans-historical
Socially constructed value Socially conferred
value Requires enculturation or
indoctrination Arbitrary, culturally determined,
historically conditioned
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Basic Powers or Capacities of the Human Spirit

• The Power to Know The unique object of human
  knowledge is truth.
• The Power to Love The unique object of human
  love is beauty.
• The Power to Will The unique object of human
  will is that which is perceived to be good.

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Major Barriers to Growth

• Pursuit of Power
• Imitation of the Past
• Confusion of needs and desires

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Needs vs. Desires
A need is a form of energy that is necessary for
the development of a capacity. A need is always
legitimate, always universal, and always satiable.
Desires are sometimes legitimate and sometimes
not, usually particular, and sometimes satiable
and sometimes insatiable.
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Sources of Desire
Individual Personality/Ego Illegitimate attempts
to satisfy a legitimate need ie., a legitimate
need for peace and serenity which we attempt to
fulfill via the use of heroin.
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Satisfaction of needs
Illegitimate satisfaction of needs results in
morbid dependency, unhappiness and suffering
Legitimate satisfaction of needs leads to
greater autonomy and well-being.
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What is Needed for the Development of the Human
Spirit?

• Love
• Justice

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Love Justice Growth

• Love an attraction to intrinsic value,
  manifested as acceptance concern
• Acceptance the recognition of the value of
  another
• Concern active service on behalf of anothers
  development

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Love Concern Acceptance