This book investigates the neurobiological origins of personal identity by examining neurological disorders. Dr. Todd E. Feinberg explores how conditions like dementia and stroke, which impair the sense of self, can illuminate the fundamental mechanisms by which the brain constructs identity. By analyzing the disruptions caused by brain dysfunction, Feinberg proposes a novel theory that connects neural processes directly to the experience of a unified self, with significant implications for understanding consciousness and personhood.

The book is presented as a scientific exploration into the neurobiological underpinnings of personal identity. It aims to offer a novel theory by examining what happens when the brain's capacity to create a unified sense of self is compromised. The approach suggests a detailed analysis of specific neurological conditions to draw conclusions about the fundamental nature of identity.