Theories of authenticity

Theories of authenticity explore what makes something genuinely true or real. They include the idea that authenticity depends on being true to oneself (personal authenticity), on aligning with objective facts or principles (correspondence theory), or on meeting established standards or norms (constructivist views). Some emphasize inner feelings of being genuine, while others focus on external evidence or social recognition. Overall, these theories help us understand what makes a person, statement, or object truly authentic, guiding our judgments about truth, sincerity, and integrity across different contexts.