This books brings together and develops ideas that I first explored in various journal articles, conference papers and book chapters. I am grateful to all those who have given me the opportunity to develop my thinking, and I apologise if the following list leaves anyone out: Russell Blackford, Havi Carel, Catherine Fieschi, David Gamez, Alastair Hannay, Volker Kaul, Chad Meister, J.P. Moreland, Rachel O’Brien, Anthony O’Hear, Udo Shüklenk, J.B. Stump, A. Sweis.

Richard Newhauser’s enthusiasm for an earlier iteration of this project was critical to its eventual completion and I am only sorry we could not work on it together. At Yale University Press, I am indebted to Melissa Bond, Rachael Lonsdale and Heather McCallum. I am also grateful for Lizzy Kremer’s solid and consistent support. The rock at the base of it all is, as ever, Antonia.