Philosopher, academic, not much more than middle-sized, seeking culmination in mate, can think, likes things clear, mostly stands up for himself, feelingful, moralistic, not a prisoner of convention, not Conservative, imperfectly rational, hopeful.'This is the story of Ted Honderich and his kind. It is a story of philosophy in a life and a life in philosophy. It is the story of a life sometimes awry, but in the thick of it all and full of love. Getting a logical hold on large things early in the morning, and some white wine in the evening. With his philosophy goes rivalry and troubled academic relationships and a personal life of friendships, marriages and affairs.