The Immune Self explores the philosophical underpinnings of immunology, questioning the traditional biological concept of the 'self' as a fixed entity. Alfred I. Tauber, a philosopher and physician, examines how the immune system's dynamic and context-dependent recognition of foreign entities challenges simplistic notions of identity. The book delves into the historical development of immunological thought, tracing the evolution of concepts like self/non-self discrimination and its implications for understanding biological individuality and disease.

The book is recognized for its rigorous philosophical inquiry into a fundamental biological concept. It is considered a significant contribution to the philosophy of biology, offering a nuanced perspective on the immune system's complex role in defining what constitutes an organism. The work is likely to appeal to scholars in immunology, philosophy of science, and bioethics seeking to understand the conceptual frameworks underlying biological identity.