Just as there are rational requirements on thought, there are rational requirements on action. This book defends a conception of ethics, and a related conception of human nature, according to which altruism is included among the basic rational requirements on desire and action.

*Frontmatter, pg. i*Preface, pg. vii*Postscript, pg. vii*Contents, pg. ix*I. The Foundation of Morals, pg. 3*II. The Traditional Controversy, pg. 7*III. The Solution, pg. 13*IV. Necessity and Interpretation, pg. 18*V. Desires, pg. 27*VI. Prudential Motives and the Present, pg. 33*VII. Reasons, pg. 47*VIII. The Interpretation of Prudential Reasons: Identity over Time, pg. 57*IX. Altruism: The Intuitive Issue, pg. 79*X. Objective Reasons, pg. 90*XI. Solipsism, Dissociation, and the Impersonal Standpoint, pg. 99*XII. The Interpretation of Objective Reasons, pg. 116*XIII. The Consequences, pg. 125*XIV. Conclusion, pg. 143*Index, pg. 147

"An extremely tough, polished, and altogether stimulating piece of work."--New York Review of Books "Nagel's book is not a criticism of anybody else's book, nor a footnote to anybody else's theory. It is independent and clear, and very original."--Times Literary Supplement "This is a powerful and challenging work, skilfully organised and presented with economy, clarity, and style."--Bernard Mayo, Philosophical Books