Gilbert Harman

Judith Thomson

Do moral questions have objective answers? In this great debate, Gilbert Harman explains and argues for relativism, emotivism, and moral scepticism. In his view, moral disagreements are like disagreements about what to pay for a house; there are no correct answers ahead of time, except in relation to one or another moral framework. Independently, Judith Jarvis Thomson examines what she takes to be the case against moral objectivity, and rejects it; she argues that it is possible to find out the correct answers to some moral questions. In her view, some moral disagreements are like disagreements about whether the house has a ghost. Harman and Thomson then reply to each other. This important, lively accessible exchange will be invaluable to all students of moral theory and meta-ethics.

Moral Relativism and Moral Objectivity

Presenting the prequels to the well-received Philip Devalle series, Designs of a Gentleman: The Early Years and The Darker Years introduce the adventurous character we know and love right back at the beginning! The Early Years - 1662, and Charles 11 has been King for two years. Restoration England is an exciting place of opportunity for an ambitious man and Philip Devalle, the young son of an earl, comes to London determined to make a name for himself. In an age when there is the Plague, the Fire of London and a war against the Dutch there is also religious intolerance - and scheming politicians. In the adventurous years ahead of him Philip will come to discover that there is a sinister side to Court, and will need to be constantly on his guard if he is to survive not only as a soldier in the French army but also as a courtier in England, at the Court of Whitehall, and at the Court of Versailles, ruled over by Louis XlV, the Sun King.

The Early Years

Designs of a Gentleman

Philip Devalle, the younger son of an earl, is left penniless when his family estate, High Heatherton, is inherited by his older brother who is declared insane and locked away in Bedlam. When Philip leaves the French army and returns to England he has only one aim – to acquire High Heatherton for himself. Lord Shaftesbury, an old associate of Devalle’s and a prolific schemer, promises to use his influence with the courts to help him get High Heatherton back. But Shaftesbury’s help comes at a hefty price. He wants Philip to lead a daring plot – a plot to place King Charles’ illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, who Shaftesbury can easily manipulate, on the throne. Philip has enemies in England, enemies who would be only too pleased to see him fail, but he knows to tread carefully if he is to avoid being tried for treason. All too soon Philip fears that he has got himself in too deep and has set in motion a plan that he is unable to stop. It’s a dangerous game that Philip is forced to play, one which could cost him everything, including his life... Full of intrigue and inspired by authors such as Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow, High Heatherton will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction, as well as fans of Judith’s previous novels Designs of a Gentleman: The Early Years and Designs of a Gentleman: The Darker Years.

Judith Thomson

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