This volume investigates the historical evolution of the concept of the self within Western philosophical thought. Patricia Kitcher, a prominent scholar in the philosophy of mind and Kantian studies, curates a collection of essays that trace how various thinkers have defined, analyzed, and challenged the notion of a unified self. The text examines the transition from early modern inquiries to contemporary debates, providing a structured framework for understanding the self as both a psychological subject and a metaphysical entity.

Scholars and students of philosophy frequently cite this collection as a rigorous resource for understanding the development of self-theory in the Western canon. Experts note that the text maintains a high level of academic density, making it most suitable for advanced undergraduates and researchers in the field.