Eight Theories of Ethics is a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental theories of ethics . Gordon Graham begins by introducing fundamental issues that underpin the concept of ethics, such as relativism and objectivity, before introducing eight major theories:

* Egoism
* Hedonism
* Naturalism and Virtue Theory
* Existentialism
* Kantianism
* Utilitarianism
* Contractualism
* Religion

The author brings often abstract issues to life by drawing on examples from the great moral philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Mill, Nietzsche, Kant and Sartre. Contemporary examples, such as Darwinism, debates over human nature, the environment and citizenship are given.