Routledge The Essence of the Self - Personal Identity Book

Explore the complex nature of identity with The Essence of the Self by Geoffrey Madell. Part of the Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy series, this volume provides a rigorous defense of the simple or anti-criterial view of personal identity. Madell challenges current philosophical discussions by arguing that many existing theories focus too heavily on traits shared by all selves. By doing so, these theories often miss the specific qualities that make an individual unique. This book offers a revised account that addresses these gaps in contemporary thought. Through a detailed philosophical lens, Madell proposes essential distinctions regarding how we describe the world versus how we understand our own existence. This work is a significant contribution to the study of cognition and the philosophy of mind, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in the fundamental questions of what constitutes the self.