IRIS MURDOCH’S ETHICS OF ATTENTION

facilitated by Prof. David Marno

Iris Murdoch’s philosophy is the most influential modern defense of the view that the beautiful and the good are ultimately one. Or, perhaps a better way to put it is that in her account, acts of attending to beauty contribute to moral improvement. In fact, these two descriptions might be seen as different interpretations of Murdoch’s work, with the first focusing on the role of moral realism in her theory and the second invested in the question of practice and particularity. In this seminar, we’ll talk about the relationship between these two interpretations. What is the good and how does it relate to the beautiful? How do we motivate ourselves to be better, and how do we translate our moral ideals into practice? What is the role of literature and the arts in Murdoch theory, and how do they compare to religion? And, last but not least, what do we, distracted habitants of the 21st century, make of the emphasis she places on attention?

This is a two-session seminar open to students, recent graduates (within 3 years of graduating) and faculty. Registration is required. Limited free copies of text available to students.

Required Reading:

Session 1: "The Idea of Perfection" and "The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts;" if you have time, “On God and Good”

Session 2: “On God and Good”

We’ll be reading all three essays collected in Murdoch’s 1970 The Sovereignty of Good. It is a brief book but if you are short on time before the first meeting, skip the second essay (“On God and Good”). Make sure to read both the first (“The Idea of Perfection”) and the third (“The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts”) for the first meeting.

Date: Wednesdays, October 16 and 23, 2024

Time: 6:00-7:15PM

Location: Berkeley Institute (2134 Allston Way, 2nd floor)