Alan H. Goldman presents an original account of the relationship between philosophy and the novel. With reference to key literary works including Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises', Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn', and Conrad's 'Nostromo', he defends theories of literary value and interpretation, and explores themes in novels relating to moral agency.

Part I. Philosophy of novels.

– 1. Introduction: philosophical content and literary value

– 2. Interpreting novels

– 3. The sun also rises: incompatible interpretations

– 4. The appeal of the mystery

Part II. Philosophy in novels.

– 5. Moral development in Pride and Prejudice

– 6. Huckleberry Finn and moral motivation

– 7. What we learn about rules from The Cider House Rules

– 8. Nostromo and the fragility of the self.