The Sovereignty of Good
Authors: Iris Murdoch, Iris Murdoch
 (Iris Murdoch) (Z-Library)_thumbnail.jpg)
Overview
In “The Sovereignty of Good”, I argue against the prevailing trends in moral philosophy, particularly those influenced by existentialism and behaviorism, which reduce morality to acts of will and neglect the crucial role of inner development and the pursuit of the Good. I contend that such views present an unrealistic and oversimplified picture of human nature, failing to account for the complexity of our inner lives and the challenges we face in becoming better people.
My central thesis is that the Good is a transcendent reality that serves as a magnetic center, drawing us towards what is truly valuable. I propose that the concept of attention, particularly a loving and just gaze directed upon the world and upon individuals, is central to moral progress. This process of attention, akin to the discipline cultivated by artists, helps us to perceive reality more clearly and break free from the self-centered fantasies that distort our vision.
I draw heavily on the insights of art and literature, as well as the work of Simone Weil, to illustrate the process of moral development and the nature of the Good. I suggest that love, though often corrupted by selfishness, is a fundamental human capacity that, when refined, can become the energy and passion that drives us towards the Good.
My book aims to provide a more realistic and hopeful framework for moral philosophy, one that acknowledges the challenges of our human condition while also recognizing the transformative power of attention, love, and the pursuit of the Good. This is a book for anyone interested in ethics, personal growth, and the search for meaning in a world often characterized by selfishness and fragmentation. It is a call to reorient our thinking about morality and to rediscover the enduring relevance of the Good in our lives.
Book Outline
1. The Idea of Perfection
Contemporary moral philosophy, often influenced by existentialism, utilitarianism, and behaviorism, paints a picture of a person as an isolated will, solely responsible for their choices and actions in a world devoid of inherent moral value. This picture, while seemingly emphasizing freedom and responsibility, ignores the complexity of the inner life and the process of moral development.
Key concept: “The very powerful image with which we are here presented … is behaviourist in its connection of the meaning and being of action with the publicly observable, it is existentialist in its elimination of the substantial self and its emphasis on the solitary omnipotent will, and it is utilitarian in its assumption that morality is and can only be concerned with public acts.”
2. On ‘God’ and ‘Good’
Traditional moral philosophy struggles to incorporate modern psychological insights, especially from Freud, who presented a picture of the human psyche as driven by selfish desires and unconscious motivations. This challenges the simplistic view of a rational, freely choosing will and requires us to consider techniques for purifying and reorienting our inner lives towards the Good.
Key concept: “Good is indefinable not for the reasons offered by Moore’s successors, but because of the infinite difficulty of the task of apprehending a magnetic but inexhaustible reality.”
3. The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts
Moral philosophy should be realistic about human nature and offer a worthy ideal. It must move beyond simplistic analyses of ordinary conduct and provide a framework for understanding moral progress and the cultivation of virtue. The concept of the Good, though often neglected, offers a powerful way of unifying and giving direction to our moral lives.
Key concept: “Good is a transcendent reality’ means that virtue is the attempt to pierce the veil of selfish consciousness and join the world as it really is. It is an empirical fact about human nature that this attempt cannot be entirely successful.”
Essential Questions
1. How does Murdoch critique the prevailing view of morality in contemporary philosophy?
Modern moral philosophy often portrays humans as isolated wills, making choices in a morally neutral world. However, this view fails to account for the richness and complexity of our inner lives, the role of love and attention in shaping our moral development, and the influence of unconscious motives and desires. True moral progress involves a continual process of self-examination and the cultivation of virtues, guided by a vision of the Good.
2. What is the nature of the Good, and how do we come to apprehend it?
The Good, for Murdoch, is not a definable object or a set of rules but a transcendent reality, akin to Plato’s Form of the Good, that serves as a magnetic center, drawing us towards what is truly valuable. It is through a loving and just attention to the world, to other people, and to art that we glimpse the Good and are transformed by it. This ‘attention’ is not passive observation but an active, disciplined effort to see reality clearly and to overcome the distorting influence of our selfish desires and fantasies.
3. What is the relationship between art and morality in Murdoch’s view?
I argue that art, particularly great art, offers a powerful analogy for moral development. The discipline of the artist, their commitment to truthfulness and realism, and their ability to see the world with a compassionate gaze, mirror the virtues required for moral progress. Art also reveals to us the beauty and value inherent in the world, inspiring love and drawing us away from the self-centeredness that hinders our moral vision. Furthermore, art, unlike most philosophy, confronts us with the reality of death and chance, reminding us of the transience of our lives and the importance of seeking what is truly valuable.
4. How does Murdoch conceive of freedom in relation to the Good?
While I reject the simplistic notion of free will as an isolated act of decision, I believe that we possess a genuine, albeit limited, freedom that is closely tied to our capacity for attention and love. Through disciplined attention to reality, we can gradually free ourselves from the grip of selfish desires and fantasies, allowing our vision to be guided by the Good. This process is not easy, and our freedom is always precarious, but it is through this struggle that we become more fully human and more capable of acting justly and lovingly.
1. How does Murdoch critique the prevailing view of morality in contemporary philosophy?
Modern moral philosophy often portrays humans as isolated wills, making choices in a morally neutral world. However, this view fails to account for the richness and complexity of our inner lives, the role of love and attention in shaping our moral development, and the influence of unconscious motives and desires. True moral progress involves a continual process of self-examination and the cultivation of virtues, guided by a vision of the Good.
2. What is the nature of the Good, and how do we come to apprehend it?
The Good, for Murdoch, is not a definable object or a set of rules but a transcendent reality, akin to Plato’s Form of the Good, that serves as a magnetic center, drawing us towards what is truly valuable. It is through a loving and just attention to the world, to other people, and to art that we glimpse the Good and are transformed by it. This ‘attention’ is not passive observation but an active, disciplined effort to see reality clearly and to overcome the distorting influence of our selfish desires and fantasies.
3. What is the relationship between art and morality in Murdoch’s view?
I argue that art, particularly great art, offers a powerful analogy for moral development. The discipline of the artist, their commitment to truthfulness and realism, and their ability to see the world with a compassionate gaze, mirror the virtues required for moral progress. Art also reveals to us the beauty and value inherent in the world, inspiring love and drawing us away from the self-centeredness that hinders our moral vision. Furthermore, art, unlike most philosophy, confronts us with the reality of death and chance, reminding us of the transience of our lives and the importance of seeking what is truly valuable.
4. How does Murdoch conceive of freedom in relation to the Good?
While I reject the simplistic notion of free will as an isolated act of decision, I believe that we possess a genuine, albeit limited, freedom that is closely tied to our capacity for attention and love. Through disciplined attention to reality, we can gradually free ourselves from the grip of selfish desires and fantasies, allowing our vision to be guided by the Good. This process is not easy, and our freedom is always precarious, but it is through this struggle that we become more fully human and more capable of acting justly and lovingly.
Key Takeaways
1. The Good is indefinable and requires continuous ‘attention’.
Murdoch challenges the prevailing tendency in moral philosophy to reduce morality to a set of rules or principles. She argues that good is indefinable and that our understanding of it deepens through a continual process of attention, experience, and reflection, guided by a loving and just gaze directed upon the world.
Practical Application:
In designing AI systems, especially those involving human interaction or ethical considerations, it’s crucial to move beyond simplistic algorithms based solely on rules or utility maximization. Instead, we should strive to create AI that is capable of understanding and responding to the nuances of human values and relationships, perhaps even incorporating aesthetic sensibilities or the ability to appreciate art and literature, to foster more humane and compassionate interactions.
2. Moral philosophy must engage with the complexities of human psychology.
Murdoch emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of human psychology, drawing on insights from Freud and other psychologists, to appreciate the challenges of moral development. She rejects simplistic views of the self as a purely rational agent and highlights the influence of unconscious motives, selfish desires, and the need for techniques of inner transformation.
Practical Application:
In AI development, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of purely objective or data-driven approaches, especially when dealing with complex human values and behaviors. Understanding the role of the unconscious, the influence of personal history and individual differences, and the power of emotions requires drawing on insights from psychology and other humanistic disciplines, not just relying on computational models.
3. Art and literature offer valuable insights into morality and human experience.
Murdoch sees art as an essential resource for moral education, offering us a glimpse of the Good and revealing the interconnectedness of virtue, beauty, and truth. She suggests that the discipline and vision of the artist, their ability to see the world with clarity and compassion, offer a model for moral development.
Practical Application:
For AI professionals, engaging with art and literature can provide valuable insights into human values, relationships, and the complexities of moral decision-making. Exposure to great art can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of ethical dilemmas and a greater appreciation for the beauty and value inherent in the world, fostering a more compassionate and humane approach to AI development.
1. The Good is indefinable and requires continuous ‘attention’.
Murdoch challenges the prevailing tendency in moral philosophy to reduce morality to a set of rules or principles. She argues that good is indefinable and that our understanding of it deepens through a continual process of attention, experience, and reflection, guided by a loving and just gaze directed upon the world.
Practical Application:
In designing AI systems, especially those involving human interaction or ethical considerations, it’s crucial to move beyond simplistic algorithms based solely on rules or utility maximization. Instead, we should strive to create AI that is capable of understanding and responding to the nuances of human values and relationships, perhaps even incorporating aesthetic sensibilities or the ability to appreciate art and literature, to foster more humane and compassionate interactions.
2. Moral philosophy must engage with the complexities of human psychology.
Murdoch emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of human psychology, drawing on insights from Freud and other psychologists, to appreciate the challenges of moral development. She rejects simplistic views of the self as a purely rational agent and highlights the influence of unconscious motives, selfish desires, and the need for techniques of inner transformation.
Practical Application:
In AI development, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of purely objective or data-driven approaches, especially when dealing with complex human values and behaviors. Understanding the role of the unconscious, the influence of personal history and individual differences, and the power of emotions requires drawing on insights from psychology and other humanistic disciplines, not just relying on computational models.
3. Art and literature offer valuable insights into morality and human experience.
Murdoch sees art as an essential resource for moral education, offering us a glimpse of the Good and revealing the interconnectedness of virtue, beauty, and truth. She suggests that the discipline and vision of the artist, their ability to see the world with clarity and compassion, offer a model for moral development.
Practical Application:
For AI professionals, engaging with art and literature can provide valuable insights into human values, relationships, and the complexities of moral decision-making. Exposure to great art can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of ethical dilemmas and a greater appreciation for the beauty and value inherent in the world, fostering a more compassionate and humane approach to AI development.
Suggested Deep Dive
Chapter: The Idea of Perfection
This chapter establishes Murdoch’s core arguments against prevailing philosophical trends and introduces her key concept of ‘attention’ as central to moral progress. It lays the groundwork for her later discussions of the Good, love, and the role of art in moral development, making it an essential starting point for understanding her overall thesis.
Memorable Quotes
The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts. 82
“I am looking out of my window in an anxious and resentful state of mind, oblivious of my surroundings, brooding perhaps on some damage done to my prestige. Then suddenly I observe a hovering kestrel. In a moment everything is altered. The brooding self with its hurt vanity has disappeared. There is nothing now but kestrel. And when I return to thinking of the other matter it seems less important …”
On ‘God’ and ‘Good’. 71
“Good is indefinable not for the reasons offered by Moore’s successors, but because of the infinite difficulty of the task of apprehending a magnetic but inexhaustible reality.”
The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts. 89
“‘Good is a transcendent reality’ means that virtue is the attempt to pierce the veil of selfish consciousness and join the world as it really is. It is an empirical fact about human nature that this attempt cannot be entirely successful.”
On ‘God’ and ‘Good’. 96
“Love is the general name of the quality of attachment and it is capable of infinite degradation and is the source of our greatest errors; but when it is even partially refined it is the energy and passion of the soul in its search for Good, the force that joins us to Good and joins us to the world through Good.”
On ‘God’ and ‘Good’. 97
“The humble man, because he sees himself as nothing, can see other things as they are.”
The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts. 82
“I am looking out of my window in an anxious and resentful state of mind, oblivious of my surroundings, brooding perhaps on some damage done to my prestige. Then suddenly I observe a hovering kestrel. In a moment everything is altered. The brooding self with its hurt vanity has disappeared. There is nothing now but kestrel. And when I return to thinking of the other matter it seems less important …”
On ‘God’ and ‘Good’. 71
“Good is indefinable not for the reasons offered by Moore’s successors, but because of the infinite difficulty of the task of apprehending a magnetic but inexhaustible reality.”
The Sovereignty of Good Over Other Concepts. 89
“‘Good is a transcendent reality’ means that virtue is the attempt to pierce the veil of selfish consciousness and join the world as it really is. It is an empirical fact about human nature that this attempt cannot be entirely successful.”
On ‘God’ and ‘Good’. 96
“Love is the general name of the quality of attachment and it is capable of infinite degradation and is the source of our greatest errors; but when it is even partially refined it is the energy and passion of the soul in its search for Good, the force that joins us to Good and joins us to the world through Good.”
On ‘God’ and ‘Good’. 97
“The humble man, because he sees himself as nothing, can see other things as they are.”
Comparative Analysis
My work stands in contrast to the prevailing trends in moral philosophy, particularly the emphasis on individual freedom and choice championed by existentialists like Sartre and the focus on ordinary language and public acts favored by British analytic philosophers such as Ryle and Hare. Unlike Sartre, I do not see freedom as an isolated act of will divorced from the individual’s history and character. And unlike the analytic philosophers, I believe that moral philosophy must engage with the deeper, more personal aspects of our experience, including the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of an ideal, even if that ideal remains elusive and indefinable. My approach has affinities with Plato, particularly his emphasis on the Good as a transcendent reality that draws us towards what is truly valuable. However, I offer a less systematic and more psychologically informed account, incorporating insights from modern thinkers like Freud and Simone Weil, to present a more realistic and hopeful picture of moral progress.
Reflection
Murdoch’s “The Sovereignty of Good” is a compelling and insightful work that challenges the prevailing trends in moral philosophy, offering a more nuanced and psychologically informed perspective on the pursuit of the Good. Her emphasis on attention, love, and the importance of art as a moral resource remains highly relevant in a world increasingly dominated by technology and the pursuit of efficiency.
However, her views, while offering a valuable corrective to overly simplistic or reductionistic approaches, can also be seen as somewhat idealistic. Her concept of the Good as a transcendent reality might be criticized as lacking a clear grounding in empirical evidence or practical application. Furthermore, her reliance on metaphors, while illuminating, can sometimes obscure the need for more rigorous philosophical analysis.
Despite these potential weaknesses, “The Sovereignty of Good” remains a significant contribution to moral philosophy, prompting us to reconsider the role of inner development, the nature of freedom, and the enduring relevance of the Good in a world often characterized by fragmentation and self-interest.
Flashcards
What is the Good, according to Iris Murdoch?
A transcendent reality that serves as a magnetic center, drawing us towards what is truly valuable.
Why is the Good indefinable for Murdoch?
It is indefinable and cannot be reduced to a set of rules or principles.
What is ‘attention’ in Murdoch’s moral philosophy?
A loving and just gaze directed upon the world and individuals, which helps us to perceive reality more clearly and break free from selfish fantasies.
What is the relationship between art and morality for Murdoch?
Art provides a powerful analogy for moral development, as it involves a similar discipline of attention, truthfulness, and compassion. It also reveals the beauty and value in the world, inspiring love and drawing us away from self-centeredness.
What does true moral progress entail, according to Murdoch?
The purification and reorientation of our inner lives, guided by a vision of the Good, leading to a more just and loving way of seeing and acting in the world.
How does Murdoch view freedom in relation to the Good?
It is not an isolated act of will but a capacity that develops through disciplined attention to reality and the cultivation of love and compassion.
What is the Good, according to Iris Murdoch?
A transcendent reality that serves as a magnetic center, drawing us towards what is truly valuable.
Why is the Good indefinable for Murdoch?
It is indefinable and cannot be reduced to a set of rules or principles.
What is ‘attention’ in Murdoch’s moral philosophy?
A loving and just gaze directed upon the world and individuals, which helps us to perceive reality more clearly and break free from selfish fantasies.
What is the relationship between art and morality for Murdoch?
Art provides a powerful analogy for moral development, as it involves a similar discipline of attention, truthfulness, and compassion. It also reveals the beauty and value in the world, inspiring love and drawing us away from self-centeredness.
What does true moral progress entail, according to Murdoch?
The purification and reorientation of our inner lives, guided by a vision of the Good, leading to a more just and loving way of seeing and acting in the world.
How does Murdoch view freedom in relation to the Good?
It is not an isolated act of will but a capacity that develops through disciplined attention to reality and the cultivation of love and compassion.