Privileged Access: Philosophical Accounts of Self-Knowledge

by Brie Gertler (Editor)

How do you grasp the contents of your mind - your desires, your fears, your sensations, your beliefs? We typically think that we are better able to discern our own mental states than others are. But is this correct? And if it is, what explains your special or 'privileged' access to your own states? Privileged Access is a comprehensive anthology of new and seminal essays, by leading philosophers, about the nature of self-knowledge. Most of the essays are new, including specially commissioned contributions from such prominent thinkers as Bermúdez, Dretske, Lycan, Sosa and others, but the anthology also includes reprints of classic articles by Boghossian, Shoemaker, Wright and others. The volume provides for an in-depth understanding of contemporary answers to key philosophical questions which have strongly influenced developments in epistemology, ontology, and the philosophy of mind since Descartes. Featuring an introductory chapter outlining the main currents of thought about self-knowledge, this comprehensive collection of cutting-edge philosophical work will prove an invaluable resource for students and researchers alike.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2003

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

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters in this book are much clearer and much more interesting than other chapters. However, overall, this book aptly covers the range of views in play in contemporary philosophy of self-knowledge.