Overview

This important book investigates the emergence and development of a distinct concept of self-awareness in post-classical, pre-modern Islamic philosophy. Jari Kaukua presents the first extended analysis of Avicenna's arguments on self-awareness — including the flying man, the argument from the unity of experience, the argument against reflection models of self-awareness, and the argument from personal identity — arguing that all these arguments hinge on a clearly definable concept of self-awareness as pure first-personality.

Analysis and Interpretation

He substantiates his interpretation with an analysis of Suhrawardī's use of Avicenna's concept and Mullā Sadrā's revision of the underlying concept of selfhood. The study explores evidence for a sustained, pre-modern, and non-Western discussion of selfhood and self-awareness, challenging the idea that these concepts are distinctly modern, European concerns.

Target Audience

The book will be of interest to a range of readers in history of philosophy, history of ideas, Islamic studies, and philosophy of mind.