This book investigates the fundamental distinction between conscious and unconscious mental states by proposing that consciousness is defined by self-representation. Uriah Kriegel, a philosopher specializing in the philosophy of mind, constructs a theoretical framework arguing that conscious mental states possess the unique property of representing themselves. He supports this thesis by integrating phenomenological analysis with ontological considerations and empirical findings from cognitive science, while systematically addressing potential objections to the theory.

Experts in the philosophy of mind recognize this work as a significant contribution to the debate on the nature of subjective experience. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a strong background in analytic philosophy to fully grasp the nuances of the arguments presented.