Self-Knowledge

by Brie Gertler

How do you know your own thoughts and feelings? Do we have ‘privileged access’ to our own minds? Does introspection provide a grasp of a thinking self or ‘I’? The problem of self-knowledge is one of the most fascinating in all of philosophy and has crucial significance for the philosophy of mind and epistemology. In this outstanding introduction Brie Gertler assesses the leading theoretical approaches to self-knowledge, explaining the work of many of the key figures in the from Descartes and Kant, through to Bertrand Russell and Gareth Evans, as well as recent work by Tyler Burge, David Chalmers, William Lycan and Sydney Shoemaker. Beginning with an outline of the distinction between self-knowledge and self-awareness and providing essential historical background to the problem, Gertler addresses specific theories of self-knowledge such as the acquaintance theory, the inner sense theory, and the rationalist theory, as well as leading accounts of self-awareness. The book concludes with a critical explication of the dispute between empiricist and rationalist approaches. Including helpful chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary, Self Knowledge is essential reading for those interested in philosophy of mind, epistemology, and personal identity.

Genres: Philosophy

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Brie Gertler is a philosopher who works primarily on problems in the philosophy of the mind. A mind-body dualist, she is presently a teaching associate professor at the University of Virginia. Her special interests include introspection, consciousness and mental content.
Among Gertler's other fields of study are epistemology and the philosophy of language. She has written a book, Privileged Access (2003), is editor of the "Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science" section of the Philosophy Compass and co-directs the Philosophy Research Network.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good intro to a still very new subject but the author was really very biased in her analysis of the issues, especially the chapter on acquaintance theory.

[Robbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best textbook for philosophy that I have come across until now, both in content and in the way the book is set up. It provides a good introduction to the topic of self-knowledge, and Gertler does a very good job explaining the different positions and the current debate around them (also pointing at further reading after each chapter).
The only part that did not live up to this level was the historical introduction. I found Gertler's reading of Descartes rather problematic, and when discussing this chapter in class the other readings got quite a bit of criticism as well.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a tremendously clear and precise introduction to the philosophical issues concerning self-knowledge. Gertler has knack for making all of the distinctions that are necessary for her readers to have a strong grasp of the different positions in the literature on self-knowledge.