Bidisha, Peter Conradi, and Lucy Bolton discuss Iris Murdoch's 'The Sovereignty of Good,' exploring her views on good/evil, unconscious, sex/love, and her impact on philosophy. They delve into Murdoch's interpretations of goodness, characters, relationships, and her influence on moral lives, highlighting her unique approach to morality and philosophical insights.
Iris Murdoch emphasizes the importance of attention, reflection, and unselfing to achieve moral growth.
Murdoch's novels explore themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning, showcasing morally complex characters.
Deep dives
The Philosophy of Iris Murdoch
Iris Murdoch's work explores the ideas of goodness and moral philosophy. She believes that ethical questions should be lived rather than explored on paper. She emphasizes the importance of attention, reflection, and unselfing to achieve moral growth. In her book 'The Sovereignty of Good,' Murdoch argues that we can attain nearness to goodness by piercing the veil of selfishness through the process of unselfing. She draws inspiration from Plato and Freud, seeing the journey towards goodness as akin to a purification of desires. Murdoch's characters in her novels are morally and intellectually experimental, exploring concepts such as religion, sexual politics, and the search for personal meaning. Her fiction serves as a space to test her philosophical positions and proposals. Overall, Murdoch's work encourages us to strive towards goodness and to refine our own moral vision.
The Themes in Iris Murdoch's Novels
Iris Murdoch's novels often explore themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning. Her characters are morally complex and often wrestle with their own failings. Through their journeys, Murdoch delves into the nature of good and evil, the complexity of human relationships, and the fine line between niceness and true goodness. Love, both romantic and platonic, is a recurring theme in her novels, often portrayed as a transformative force. Murdoch's characters navigate personal and moral dilemmas, displaying a range of philosophical positions and worldviews. Her novels vary in style and genre, from realistic portrayals to elements of thriller and mystery. Overall, Murdoch's fiction offers readers thought-provoking narratives and explores the complexities of the human condition.
The Influence of Iris Murdoch on Readers
Iris Murdoch's work has had a profound impact on readers. Her exploration of moral philosophy and the pursuit of goodness resonates with many. Her novels invite readers to ponder ethical questions and reflect on their own actions and values. Murdoch's emphasis on attention and unselfing encourages readers to examine their own biases and egos. Her characters, faced with dilemmas and moral struggles, serve as mirrors for readers to examine their own lives. Her writing offers a balance between intellectual depth and entertainment, making her novels both thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. Many readers find inspiration in Murdoch's approach to life, seeking personal growth, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of human relationships.
Iris Murdoch: A Role Model for Philosophical and Personal Growth
Iris Murdoch serves as a role model for many aspiring philosophers and individuals seeking personal and moral growth. Her strong intellect and thoughtful approach to life inspire others to pursue their passions and engage with complex philosophical ideas. Her commitment to writing, scholarly work, and thoughtful correspondence exemplifies dedication and hard work. Murdoch's exploration of love, ethics, and spirituality resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. Her emphasis on attention and unselfing encourages individuals to cultivate inner reflection and develop a moral compass. Through her novels and philosophy, Murdoch continues to touch the lives of readers, guiding them on their own journeys of self-discovery and ethical contemplation.
Bidisha, Peter Conradi and Lucy Bolton join Matthew Sweet to read the moral philosophy book published by Iris Murdoch in 1970. Murdoch, who died aged 79, 25 years ago on Feb 8th 1999, was a writer of novels and philosophy books which explored the nature of good/evil, the role of the unconscious and of sex and love. In 1978 she won the Booker prize for her story The Sea, The Sea and in 1987 she was made a Dame.
Lucy Bolton has written about Iris Murdoch, philosophy and cinema; novelist and critic Bidisha is a fan, Peter J Conradi, who is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Kingston, was a friend of Iris Murdoch and author of books including Iris Murdoch: A Life, A Writer at War: Letters and Diaries of Iris Murdoch 1939-45, The Saint and Artist: A Study of the Fiction of Iris Murdoch, and his autobiography Family Business: A Memoir which talks of his friendship with her.
The Iris Murdoch Research Centre is at the University of Chichester.
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Producer: Luke Mulhall
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