<P>Self-deception poses longstanding and fascinating paradoxes. Philosophers have questioned whether, and how, self-deception is even possible; evolutionary theorists have debated whether it is adaptive. For Sigmund Freud self-deception was a fundamental key to understanding the unconscious, and from <I>The Bible</I> to <I>The Great Gatsby</I> literature abounds with characters renowned for their self-deception. But what exactly is self-deception? Why is it so puzzling? How is it performed? And is it harmful?</P>
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<P>In this thorough and clearly written introduction to the philosophy and psychology of self-deception, Eric Funkhouser examines and assesses these questions and more:</P>
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<LI>Clarification of the conceptual background and "Basic problem" of self-deception, including Freud and Davidson and the important debate between intentionalists and motivationalists </LI>
<LI>Deflationary accounts that appeal to cognitive and motivational biases, with emphasis on how motives and emotions drive self-deception </LI>
<LI>Intentional self-deception and the "divided mind," including the role of the unconscious in recent psychological research </LI>
<LI>Challenges that self-deception poses for philosophy of mind and psychology, especially for our understanding of intention, belief, and deception</LI>
<LI>Biology and moral psychology of self-deception: Is self-deception functional or beneficial? Are the self-deceived to be held accountable?</LI>
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<P>Combining philosophical analysis with the latest psychological research, and including features such as chapter summaries, annotated&nbsp;recommended reading and a glossary, <I>Self-Deception</I> is an excellent resource for students of philosophy of mind and psychology, moral psychology and ethics, as well as those in related fields such as psychology and cognitive science.</P>