Derek Parfit was one of the world?s leading philosophers. His On What Matters was the most eagerly awaited book in philosophy for many years. Reading Parfit: On What Matters is an essential overview and assessment of volumes 1 and 2 of Parfit?s monumental work by a team of international contributors, and includes responses by Parfit himself. It discusses central features of Parfit?s book, including the structure and nature of reasons; the ideas underlying moral principles; Parfit?s discussions of consequentialism, contractualism and Kantian deontology; and his metaethical ideas and arguments.

Reading Parfit

will be central reading for students of ethics and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most important works of philosophy published in the last fifty years.