Martha C. Nussbaum presents a powerful argument for treating emotions not as alien forces but as highly discriminating responses to what is of value. She illuminates the structure of a wide range of emotions, showing that there can be no adequate ethical theory without an adequate theory of the emotions.

In this wide-ranging book, based on her Gifford Lectures, philosopher Nussbaum draws on philosophy, psychology, anthropology, music and literature to illuminate the role emotions play in thoughts about important goals.