The core of this book is a novel theory of distributive justice premised on the fundamental moral equality of persons. In the light of this theory, Eric Rakowski considers three types of problem which urgently require solutions - the distribution of resources, property rights, and the saving of life - and provides challenging and unconventional answers. Further, he criticizes the economic analysis of law as a normative theory, and develops an alternative account
of tort and property law.

Among the topics discussed are the principles by which earnings, wealth, and gifts should be taxed; whether the compulsory removal of organs for transplantation can be justified; how doctors and public officials should make life-or-death decisions when all those endangered cannot be helped in equal measure; and the morality of killing human beings and non-human animals.