This volume investigates the philosophical validity of moral dilemmas, specifically questioning whether a situation can exist where an individual faces two irreconcilable moral duties. Christopher W. Gowans compiles a rigorous selection of historical and contemporary essays to examine the tension between traditional ethical frameworks and the possibility of genuine moral conflict. By juxtaposing classical thinkers with modern analytical philosophers, the text provides a comprehensive overview of the arguments surrounding moral necessity and the limits of ethical systems.

This collection is widely regarded as a foundational resource for students and scholars of ethics. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a primary reference for those exploring the complexities of moral philosophy.