In this distinguished book, first published in 1984, Richard Wollheim offers an original approach to the philosophical understanding of a person. Countering prevailing theories on the nature of persons, Wollheim submits an account of the mind dynamically conceived and proposes that we take as fundamental the process of living as a person. To illuminate this process, the author draws on psychoanalysis and literature, in particular the case studies of Freud and the writings of Proust.

“Wollheim’s is a very original and extremely interesting approach to the philosophy of the mind, bringing together three areas of reflection not often combined: the philosophy of mind, psychoanalysis, and ethics.”—Bernard Williams, University of California, Berkeley

“There are only a few people who can write intelligently and insightfully about psychoanalysis and philosophy. Richard Wollheim is pre-eminent.”—Jonathan Lear, University of Chicago