Many consider the nature of human consciousness to be one of the last great unsolved mysteries Why should the light turn on so to speak in human beings at all? & how is the electrical storm of neurons under our skull connected with our consciousness? Is the self only our brain's user interface a kind of stage on which a show is performed that we cannot freely direct? In this book philosopher Markus Gabriel challenges an increasing trend in the sciences towards neurocentrism a notion which rests on the assumption that the self is identical to the brain Gabriel raises serious doubts as to whether we can know ourselves in this way In a sharp critique of this approach he presents a new defense of the free will & provides a timely introduction to philosophical thought about the self all with verve humor & surprising insights Gabriel criticizes the scientific image of the world & takes us on an eclectic journey of self-reflection by way of such concepts as self consciousness & freedom with the aid of Kant Schopenhauer & Nagel but also Dr Who The Walking Dead & Fargo