This book investigates the nature of self-concern and its role in survival. Raymond Martin, a philosopher with a background in existentialism and ethics, explores what truly matters to individuals when faced with the prospect of survival. Drawing on philosophical concepts and potentially thought experiments, the book argues for a specific understanding of self-concern as a fundamental aspect of human existence, particularly in extreme circumstances. The work aims to provide a framework for understanding our deepest motivations and values when confronted with life-or-death situations.

The Cambridge Studies in Philosophy series typically publishes rigorous academic works, suggesting this book is likely a dense, analytical text aimed at scholars and advanced students of philosophy. Its focus on self-concern and survival indicates a thematic exploration of ethics and existentialism, likely engaging with established philosophical arguments. The title implies a theoretical rather than a practical guide to survival, focusing on the internal, psychological, and ethical dimensions of the experience.