Abstract

A posthumous volume in which Parker offers a rich and variegated contribution to ethical theory. Parker identifies value with the assuagement of desire. And he resolutely acknowledges the implication of this definition: value judgments are "lyrical"-that is, expressive of the speaker's wishes, attitudes, etc. Although the book adds little to recent discussions of non-cognitivist ethics, Parker defends his position with a warmth and insight seldom found in more analytical treatments.--A. C. P.