The Essence of the Self: In Defense of the Simple View of Personal Identity

by Geoffrey Madell

Overview

In this volume, Geoffrey Madell develops a revised account of the self, making a compelling case for why the "simple" or "anti-criterial" view of personal identity warrants a robust defense. Madell critiques recent discussions of the self for focusing on features which are common to all selves, and which therefore fail to capture the uniqueness of each self. Engaging with contemporary positions on the first person, embodiment, psychological continuity, and other ongoing arguments, Madell's view that the nature of the self is substantively different from that of objects in the world will generate significant discussion and debate among philosophers of mind.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138498938
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/12/2018
Series:	Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Geoffrey Madell was Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, UK, and is the author of The Identity of the Self (1981), Mind and Materialism (1988) and Philosophy, Music and Emotion (2002).

Table of Contents

1. Personal Identity and the First Person 2. The First Person 3. Body 4. Psychology 5. Persons and Possible Worlds 6. Retrospect

Editorial Reviews

"Madell argues with admirable ambition and tenacity... [The Essence of the Self] constitutes a rewarding read."

- Daniel Giberman, University of Gothenburg, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"Madell’s focus centers on making sense of both the objective characteristics of lived experiences and the narrowly personal experience of individual existence. His treatment of this issue is situated within the rich literature on the topic, which provides a valuable backdrop for readers. Summing Up: Recommended."

- A. P. Schwab, Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne in CHOICE

From the Publisher