This is a masterpiece of philosophy. Blackburn sets out a very impressive theory of ethics and meta-ethics - his 'quasi-realism'. But as well as setting out the theory, he goes on a great survey of lots of different ideas in the field which are relevant to his ideas. The appendix, with questions and answers the author gave during a lecture, is perhaps the best place to start for someone who needs to write an essay on this meta-ethical theory. This is a book for people with quite a background (a degree?) in philosophy already. ( )