This volume investigates the foundational principles of virtue ethics and their application to contemporary social and political dilemmas through the lens of Aristotelian thought. Rosalind Hursthouse, a prominent figure in moral philosophy, presents a collection of essays that bridge classical ethical theory with modern practical concerns. By examining the development of virtue, the nature of practical wisdom, and the intersection of human nature with ethical naturalism, the text establishes a framework for understanding virtue ethics as a robust, independent moral theory.

Scholars and students of moral philosophy recognize this collection as a significant resource for understanding the evolution of Hursthouse's specific contributions to virtue ethics. Readers frequently note that the prose requires a background in ethical theory to fully grasp the nuances of the arguments presented.