1.1.1 Personal identity

1.1.2 Identity over time

1.1.3 Cultural identity

1.2.1 Self/non-self

1.2.2 Solipsism and inter-subjectivity

1.2.3 Relations to others

1.3.1 Consciousness, the self and the world

1.3.2 The mind-body problem

1.3.3 The problem of other minds

1.4.1 Self-consciousness

1.4.2 Agency

1.4.3 Moral responsibility

1.5.1 Individuality and universality

1.5.2 The nature versus nurture debate

1.5.3 Emotion and reason

1.6.1 Freedom and determinism

1.6.2 Social conditioning

1.6.3 Existential angst and authenticity

2.1.1 The nature of art

2.1.2 Creativity

2.1.3 Art and its physical, social and cultural context

2.2.1 The artist

2.2.2 The artistic process

2.2.3 The artist and society

2.3.1 Aesthetic experience

2.3.2 Aesthetic judgement

2.3.3 Beauty and taste

3.1.1 Nature of knowledge

3.1.2 Truth

3.1.3 Sources of knowledge

3.2.1 Scepticism

3.2.2 Theories of perception

3.2.3 Theories of justification

3.3.1 Knowledge and power

3.3.2 Access to knowledge

3.3.3 Knowledge and technology

4.1.1 Moral principles

4.1.2 Virtue/character-based theories

4.1.3 Deontological versus teleological theories

4.2.1 The origins and nature of moral values

4.2.2 Foundations for moral judgements

4.2.3 Ethical language

4.3.1 Biomedical ethics

4.3.2 Business ethics

4.3.3 Distribution of wealth

5.1.1 Nature of God

5.1.2 Arguments for the existence of God

5.1.3 Arguments against the existence of God

5.2.1 Nature of religious language

5.2.2 The problem of religious language

5.2.3 Attempted solutions to the problem of religious language

5.3.1 Definitions/characteristics of religious experience

5.3.2 The value of religious experience

5.3.3 Religion in a multicultural environment

6.1.1 The nature of science

6.1.2 Demarcation

6.1.3 Methodologies of science

6.2.1 Cognitive science and the concept of the self

6.2.2 Explanations of the self

6.2.3 Causality and determinism

6.3.1 Science and values

6.3.2 The effects of society and social values on science

6.3.3 Implications of science

7.1.1 The state and its origins

7.1.2 Forms of government

7.1.3 Civil society

7.2.1 Social justice

7.2.2 Distributive justice, retributive justice, and punishment

7.2.3 Interrelationships between justice, freedom and equality

7.3.1 Rights, duties and responsibilities

7.3.2 Positive and negative liberty

7.3.3 Censorship and freedom of information

8.1.1 Formal and informal social structures

8.1.2 Nature, structure and function of social institutions

8.1.3 Family, marriage and education as social institutions

8.2.1 Treatment of minority and marginalized groups in society

8.2.2 Tolerance

8.2.3 Social discontent and social change

8.3.1 Nature of gender

8.3.2 Gender and identity

8.3.3 Gender politics

9.1.1 Nature and role of technology

9.1.2 Impact of technology on individuals and societies

9.1.3 Philosophical challenges arising from development of technology

9.2.1 Environmental challenges and degradation

9.2.2 Environmental conservation and activism

9.2.3 Intrinsic and extrinsic value

9.3.1 Nature of philosophy

9.3.2 Function and meaning of philosophy

9.3.3 Philosophical methodology

10.1.1 Logical Positivism and the Verification Principle

10.1.2 Implications for Philosophy and Metaphysics

10.1.3 The Nature of Ethical and Aesthetic Judgments

10.1.4 Theory of Knowledge and Analytic/Synthetic Distinction

10.1.5 Ayer's View of the Self

10.1.6 Criticisms and Limitations

10.1.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.2.1 The Nature of the Self and Moral Cultivation

10.2.2 Ethical Foundations: Ren, Li, Yi, and Xiao

10.2.3 Virtue Ethics and Moral Development

10.2.4 Social Harmony and Political Philosophy

10.2.5 Philosophy of Language and Communication

10.2.6 Views on Knowledge and Wisdom

10.2.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.3.1 Radical Doubt and the Quest for Certainty

10.3.2 Cogito Ergo Sum: The Self as a Thinking Thing

10.3.3 Clear and Distinct Perceptions

10.3.4 Proofs for the Existence of God

10.3.5 Mind–Body Dualism

10.3.6 Knowledge of the External World

10.3.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.4.1 The Colonized Self and Racialized Identity

10.4.2 The Other and the White Gaze

10.4.3 Language, Power, and Identity

10.4.4 Psychological Effects of Racism and Colonialism

10.4.5 Fanon’s Critique of Humanism and Universalism

10.4.6 Violence and Liberation (in connection to his later work)

10.4.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.5.1 The Genealogical Method

10.5.2 Master Morality vs. Slave Morality (First Essay)

10.5.3 Bad Conscience and the Origins of Guilt (Second Essay)

10.5.4 Ascetic Ideals and the Role of Philosophers and Priests (Third Essay)

10.5.5 Critique of Morality and Call for a Revaluation of Values

10.5.6 Power, Knowledge, and Moral Authority

10.5.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.6.1 The Capabilities Approach: A New Metric for Justice and Development

10.6.2 Central Human Capabilities

10.6.3 Justice, Equality, and Human Dignity

10.6.4 The Self and Vulnerability

10.6.5 The Role of Government and Public Policy

10.6.6 Global Justice and Cross-Cultural Application

10.6.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.7.1 The Rise of the ‘Mass Man’

10.7.2 Crisis of Individuality and Excellence

10.7.3 The Revolt Against Authority and Tradition

10.7.4 Technology and Mass Civilization

10.7.5 The Role of the Intellectual and the Minority

10.7.6 Freedom, Responsibility, and the Modern Self

10.7.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.8.1 Justice in the Individual and the State (Book IV)

10.8.2 The Philosopher-King and the Ideal Ruler (Books V–VII)

10.8.3 The Theory of Forms and the Form of the Good

10.8.4 Education and the Ascent of the Soul (Book VII)

10.8.5 Degeneration of the Soul and the State (Books VIII–IX)

10.8.6 The Nature of the Self

10.8.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.9.1 The Ideal of Authenticity and Its Modern Distortions

10.9.2 Recognition and the Dialogical Nature of the Self

10.9.3 The Importance of Horizons of Meaning

10.9.4 Freedom, Individualism, and Moral Sources

10.9.5 Critique of Instrumental Reason

10.9.6 Authenticity, Democracy, and the Public Sphere

10.9.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.10.1 The Nature of the Tao (The Way)

10.10.2 Wu Wei: Action Through Non-Action

10.10.3 Simplicity, Humility, and Ethical Living

10.10.4 The Self as Relational and Dynamic

10.10.5 Governance and Political Philosophy

10.10.6 Epistemological Humility

10.10.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.11.1 Volume I, Part I: Destiny - Biology, Psychoanalysis, and Historical Materialism

10.11.2 Volume I, Part I: Destiny - Woman as Other

10.11.3 Volume II, Part I: Childhood - Becoming Woman

10.11.4 Volume II, Part I: Childhood - Consciousness and Ambiguity

10.11.5 Volume II, Part IV: The Independent Woman - The Illusion of Freedom

10.11.6 Volume II, Part IV: The Independent Woman - Authentic Freedom

10.11.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes

10.12.1 The Principle of Liberty and the Harm Principle

10.12.2 Individuality as a Moral Ideal

10.12.3 Freedom of Speech and the Marketplace of Ideas

10.12.4 Limits of Government and the Tyranny of the Majority

10.12.5 Moral Autonomy and Responsibility

10.12.6 The Self as Rational and Progressive

10.12.7 Connections to the Core Theme and Optional Themes