`(The book) is a first rate piece of work which will make a substantial contribution to the subject ... Existing discussions of these problems tend to be abstract and excessively rationalistic. Gosling brings the problems down to earth, with a rich variety of carefully drawn examples and nice distinctions....forcing the reader again and again to question common formulations and standing presumptions. The resulting view is complex but convincing' - Gene Mason, University of Minnesota
`... required reading for anyone approaching this perennial problem.' - Philosophical Studies
Introduction Part 1 I The Protagoras II The Plausibility of Socrates III Aristotle IV How Socratic is Aristotle? V The Stoics VI Aquinas and Others VII The Post-Medievals Part 2 VIII What is the Problem? IX Akrasia and Irrationality X Passionate Akrasia XI Moral Weakness XII Willing, Trying and Wanting XIII Varieties of Weakness XIV Epilogue