An organizing model for recent cognitive science work on the self

•An organizational model integrating various approaches to self research is proposed.•Illustrating cases show various aspects of the model in a simple hierarchy.•Argument for the above model as a needed tool for modern self-research is given.

An organizing model of ‘the self’ emerges from applying various kinds of brain injury to recent cognitive science and philosophical work on ‘the self’. This model unifies various contents and mechanisms central to current notions of the self. The article then highlights several criteria and aspects of this notion of self. Qualities of the right type and level of psychological significance delineate ‘the self’ as an organizing concept useful for recent philosophical work and cognitive science research.