This collection of essays investigates the fundamental question of whether medical ethics can exist as a distinct discipline separate from general moral philosophy. Thomas Szasz, a psychiatrist and critic of the medical establishment, argues that the physician is first and foremost a moral agent. He posits that the specialized knowledge of a doctor does not exempt them from universal ethical standards but rather intensifies their responsibility as an individual actor in life-threatening situations.

Readers frequently note the provocative and contrarian nature of Szasz's prose, which challenges standard bioethical frameworks. Experts often categorize this work as a foundational text for those interested in the philosophical critique of modern medical authority.