Trouble with Strangers: A Study of Ethics

In this major new book, Terry Eagleton, one of the world's greatest cultural theorists, writes with wit, eloquence and clarity on the question of ethics. Providing rare insights into tragedy, politics, literature, morality and religion, Eagleton examines key ethical theories through the framework of Jacques Lacan's categories of the Imaginary, the Symbolic and the Real, measuring them against the 'richer' ethical resources of socialism and the Judaeo-Christian tradition.

"Written in Eagleton's very readable, clear and witty style, this book may achieve the unthinkable: bridging the gap between academic High Thought and popular philosophy manuals." – Slavoj Žižek

"… An engagement with the whole modern European tradition of thought about ethics, drawing on both philosophical and literary texts, and paying close attention to shifting cultural currents and historical contexts. The insights are often sharp, and the criticisms both pointed and - usually - laced with humour" – Peter Dews, University of Essex

"This is a fine book. It is hugely ambitious in its scope, develops an original thesis to illuminating effect and is written with a compelling passion and commitment" – Peter R. Sedgwick, Cardiff University

"Written with Eagleton's usual wit, panache and uncanny ability to summarise and criticize otherwise complex philosophical positions ... this is an important book by a hugely important voice" – Simon Critchley, The New School for Social Research