This book investigates the fundamental question of what constitutes a person and how such a concept can be constructed, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and the philosophy of mind. John L. Pollock, a noted philosopher, draws upon his extensive work in artificial intelligence and cognitive science to explore the criteria for personhood, consciousness, and identity. The book presents a detailed philosophical framework for understanding these complex issues, examining the logical and computational underpinnings of what it means to be a person.

John L. Pollock's "How to Build a Person" is recognized within philosophical and AI circles for its rigorous approach to defining personhood. The book is noted for its detailed philosophical arguments and its engagement with the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence in the late 1980s. It serves as a foundational text for those interested in the intersection of philosophy of mind and computational theory.