Although Norman is a professor of philosophy, the philosophical aspects of the Gor novels have not often been examined, primarily because the sexual/enslavement themes are so repulsive as to make the novels unappealing to most critics. Why the Gor novels have become one of the bestselling series of all times raises stressful questions about the society that supports them. The critics who wish to take Norman seriously argue that the novels' emphasis on sadomasochistic sexual practices has obscured the moral lessons Norman puts into Tarl Cabot's first-person narration. Sometimes Cabot launches into extended philosophical disquisitions. Some of what Cabot says, when stripped of its social science jargon, is common sense: weakness attracts bullies and weak nations are frequent victims of ruthless enemies; people need a sense of direction in their lives. When society breaks down, as Ar does after it surrenders to the forces of...