Short description:

Examining the role of vision, imagination, love, goodness and transcendence in Murdoch's work The Moral Philosophy of Iris Murdoch presents a compelling and original argument that she is one of the major moral philosophers of the twentieth century.

Long description:

The moral philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch said that philosophy ?is both the guide and mirror of the age?. In this wide-ranging book Mark Hopwood explores the significance of Murdoch's philosophy in the present day, paying particular attention to her account of the role of metaphor and imagery in moral reasoning. Hopwood argues that one of the main reasons Murdoch's work has often been neglected by mainstream moral philosophers is that she offered a radically different conception of what it means to do moral philosophy. Rather than seeking to establish a single systematic moral framework in the manner of utilitarian or Kantian theories, she argued that moral philosophers ought to be concerned with describing the varied range of moral concepts that we actually use in everyday life and elaborating new concepts and modes of understanding to meet our most pressing social needs.

Examining the role of vision, imagination, love, goodness, and transcendence in Murdoch's work, The Moral Philosophy of Iris Murdoch presents a compelling and original argument that she is one of the major moral philosophers of the twentieth century.

'This is a beautifully lucid and compelling piece of philosophical exegesis and writing. By paying close attention to what Murdoch actually says, Hopwood succeeds in lighting a path through Murdoch?s entire corpus, revealing deep continuities in her thought and method.' - Clare Mac Cumhaill, Durham University, UK

'In this book, Mark Hopwood provides a clear, original and compelling interpretation of the nature and significance of Iris Murdoch?s philosophical writings. Without underestimating her resistance to systematic moral theorizing, he uncovers patterns in her way of composing specific essays and lectures that reflect her lifelong commitment to a distinctive and powerful conception of what moral reflection should be, and of how philosophers might contribute productively to it. So it offers something of real value to all moral philosophers, not just those with an interest in Murdoch.' - Stephen Mulhall, University of Oxford, UK

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgments  Abbreviations  Introduction  1. The Standard Picture of Moral Philosophy  2. What Should a Philosophical Study of Morals be Like?  3. The Paradox of Form  4. Reading The Sovereignty of Good  5. Love, Morals, and Moral Philosophy  6. The Ontological Proof  Conclusion.  Bibliography  Index