ALCOHOLISM, A.A., AND THE CHALLENGE OF AUTHENTICITY

Date Issued:: 2005
Abstract/Description:: This thesis examines the possibilities of living an authentic life for an alcoholic, both in and out of Alcoholics Anonymous. Authenticity is explored using the existential models put forth by Jean-Paul Sartre and Soren Kierkegaard. Alcoholics Anonymous figures prominently in this analysis. It is suggested that A.A. acts inauthentically in its claims that it is not a religious organization. A.A. creates special problems for female alcoholics because of the sexist and masculinist nature of its primary literature. While A.A. claims that its message is the only way by which an alcoholic can recover, other treatment methods exist. Suggestions are made that A.A. revise its main texts, and two alternative organizations to A.A. are briefly discussed.

Title:	ALCOHOLISM, A.A., AND THE CHALLENGE OF AUTHENTICITY.	40 views 18 downloads
Name(s):	Madden, Patricia, Author Jones, Donald, Committee Chair University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource:	text
Date Issued:	2005
Publisher:	University of Central Florida
Language(s):	English
Abstract/Description:	This thesis examines the possibilities of living an authentic life for an alcoholic, both in and out of Alcoholics Anonymous. Authenticity is explored using the existential models put forth by Jean-Paul Sartre and Soren Kierkegaard. Alcoholics Anonymous figures prominently in this analysis. It is suggested that A.A. acts inauthentically in its claims that it is not a religious organization. A.A. creates special problems for female alcoholics because of the sexist and masculinist nature of its primary literature. While A.A. claims that its message is the only way by which an alcoholic can recover, other treatment methods exist. Suggestions are made that A.A. revise its main texts, and two alternative organizations to A.A. are briefly discussed.
Identifier:	CFE0000374 (IID), ucf:46329 (fedora)
Note(s):	2005-05-01 M.A. Arts and Sciences, Office of Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies Masters This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s):	Alcoholism Authenticity Alcoholics Anonymous
Persistent Link to This Record:	http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000374
Restrictions on Access:	public
Host Institution:	UCF

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