This work investigates the historical evolution of the concepts of soul and self within the framework of Western philosophical thought. Raymond Martin and John Barresi utilize their expertise in philosophy and psychology to trace these ideas from their origins in Platonic dialogues through contemporary debates. The authors argue that a significant intellectual shift occurred during the eighteenth century, which fundamentally altered how these concepts were understood and categorized in subsequent eras.

Scholars and students of philosophy frequently cite this text as a comprehensive resource for understanding the historical trajectory of the self. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous survey for those interested in the development of Western intellectual traditions.