The book offers a philosophical examination of personhood as presented in self-help literature, exploring how the concept of self is portrayed as an object for enhancement. It delves into the intersection of academic philosophy and self-help culture, highlighting the pursuit of meaning, progress, and depth through personal development.
Nora Hämäläinen's book investigates the descriptive task of moral philosophy, emphasizing the need for rich portrayals of moral conditions and human nature. She critiques the division between moral philosophy and social sciences, advocating for a reorientation towards descriptive ethics, drawing on insights from Dewey, Wittgenstein, Foucault, and Taylor.