Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book defines a concept of selfhood and maintains that selves exist. It affirms the existence of human selves, at least sometimes embodied, at least sometimes free, and each one endowed, throughout its existence, with a quality not possessed by any other self. The book criticises arguments for the existence of ulterior selves, for the doctrine that there are material objects composed of selves analogous to ours. It maintains that at least one transcendent self exists. The inference employs a restricted principle of sufficient reason, together with the principle that an explanation of the non-emptiness of a class of things must postulate the existence of at least one non-member of the class.