A study of Rawls' work, "A Theory of Justice", the book gives a concise account of Rawls' central ideas, situates them within contemporary debates and subjects them to critical scrutiny. Among the subjects covered are utilitarianism, majoritarianism and the contractarian synthesis.

In the new edition of this widely praised text, Alan Aldridge examines the complex realities of religious belief, practice and institutions. Religion is a powerful and controversial force in the contemporary world, even in supposedly secular societies.