The decline of religion and ever increasing influence of science pose
acute ethical issues for us all. Can we reject the literal truth of the
Gospels yet still retain a Christian morality? Can we defend any
'moral values' against the constant encroachments of technology? Indeed,
are we in danger of losing most of the qualities which make us truly
human? Here, drawing on a novelist's insight into art, literature and
abnormal psychology, Iris Murdoch conducts an ongoing debate with major
writers, thinkers and theologians--from Augustine to Wittgenstein,
Shakespeare to Sartre, Plato to Derrida--to provide fresh and compelling
answers to these crucial questions.