This book investigates the fundamental questions of moral philosophy by tracing the evolution of ethical inquiry from the Socratic tradition through the modern era. Terence Irwin, a distinguished scholar in the history of philosophy, utilizes a chronological framework to examine how major thinkers have defined the human good, the nature of virtue, and the rational justification of morality. By analyzing the arguments of key figures across ancient, medieval, and modern periods, the text clarifies how these historical debates continue to shape contemporary ethical discourse.

Experts recognize this work as a highly accessible entry point for students and general readers seeking to understand the historical development of ethical theory. Readers frequently note that the prose remains clear and pedagogical despite the inherent complexity of the philosophical subject matter.