This work investigates the historical evolution and conceptual transformation of moral conscience from the fifth century BCE to the contemporary era. Richard Sorabji, a distinguished scholar of ancient philosophy, utilizes a vast array of primary texts to trace how the internal sense of right and wrong has been defined and debated across pagan, Christian, and secular traditions. He argues that understanding the historical shifts in this concept is necessary to evaluate the role and validity of conscience in modern ethical decision-making.

Scholars and students of philosophy frequently cite this work as a comprehensive reference for the intellectual history of ethics. The text is noted for its academic rigor and the breadth of its historical synthesis, making it a standard resource for those studying the development of Western moral thought.