Is self-knowledge is a form of 'privileged access' limited to knowledge of one's mind? Is self-knowledge the same thing as introspection? How do I acquire self-knowledge in the first place? What is the relationship between self-knowledge and personal identity? The problem of self-knowledge is one of the most important of all philosophical puzzles and is closely connected to important debates in philosophy of mind and epistemology. It is also a deceptively difficult problem. In this outstanding introduction Brie Gertler assesses the central topics and debates concerning self-knowledge, explaining the work of many of the key figures in the field; from Kant and Hume, through to Bertrand Russell and Gilbert Ryle, as well as recent work by Tyler Burge, David Chalmers and Daniel Dennett. Beginning with an outline of the distinction between self-knowledge and self-awareness and providing essential historical background to the problem, Gertler then addresses specific theories of self-knowledge such as Russell's acquaintance theory, the inner-sense theory, and the rationalist theory, before concluding with an evaluation of competing empiricist and rationalist approaches. Including helpful chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary, "Self-Knowledge" is essential reading for all students of philosophy of mind, epistemology, and metaphysics.

"Recommended." - CHOICE "This broad-ranging treatise provides a framework for the metaphysics and epistemology of self-knowledge. It also gives historical background of great interest in itself and also helpful for framing the contemporary controversies. Brie Gertler has mastered the subject matter, has thought it through acutely, and shares her excellent understanding in lucid, readable prose." - Ernest Sosa, Rutgers University, USA "Self Knowledge provides a clear, well-organized, accurate, and comprehensive overview of the analytic philosophical discussion of self-knowledge over the past thirty years. It is ideally suited as a text for any advanced undergraduate course on self-knowledge, and will be widely discussed in the field." - Ram Neta, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA "Self Knowledge offers a terrific presentation and assessment of the contemporary thinking about self-knowledge, and is the best available introduction to these debates. The treatment is well-organized, comprehensive, fair and balanced, and I hope it might get even more students and philosophers to be intrigued by this philosophical conversation." - Luca Ferrero, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, USA "This is an outstanding piece of work. Gertler goes to great lengths to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the main positions on self-knowledge. Her style is clear and straightforward without over-simplifying the material. This book is the best in-depth discussion I've read on the various theories of self-knowledge currently available." - Jordi Fernandez, University of Adelaide, Australia