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Renowned moral philosopher Mary Midgley investigates the self and defends the importance of our own experiences against the scientific orthodoxy that regards the self to be nothing more than an elaborate illusion. Midgely argues that the subjective sources of thought are necessary to our world and that philosophical problems in causality, subjectivity, empiricism, free will and determinism have been glossed over by scientists claiming the self is no more than a jumble of cells. She investigates the gap that has opened up between our own sense of the self and current scientific thinking.

Midgley is one of the most respected philosophers of her generation. She is the author of many books including Beast and Man, Wickedness and The Solitary Self. She is particularly known for her work on science, ethics and animal rights.

Here Midgley talks to journalist and BBC television presenter Gwenan Edwards.