That was hard but good.

It was a challenging experience, yet it had its own rewards.

If you are up for a philosophical text, I highly recommend it.

The first essay, without a doubt, was the hardest one.

It required a great deal of deep thinking and analysis.

However, through the process of grappling with its ideas, I was able to expand my own understanding and perspective.

The text presented complex philosophical concepts in a way that made me question my own beliefs and assumptions.

It was a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read.

Despite the difficulties, I found it to be a valuable and enriching experience.

I would encourage anyone with an interest in philosophy to give it a try.

You might be surprised at how much you can learn and grow from engaging with such a text.

Grasping towards good is often compared to looking at the sun. It's a concept that is slightly challenging to understand. Just as when we look at the sun, we can only see it or obtain it around the edges. In life, when we strive for good, it's not always straightforward. We need to focus on joining with something that the subconscious can't minimize, consume, or rationalize. This could be a higher purpose, a deep passion, or a moral principle. By aligning ourselves with such intangible but powerful forces, we can move closer to the good we seek. It's about going beyond the surface and delving into the essence of what truly matters. Only then can we begin to truly grasp the fullness of the good that lies within and around us.

One of the most captivating works of moral philosophy that I have ever perused is truly remarkable.

It not only takes into account the realm of psychology but also delves into the indispensability of moral learning.

Murdoch's approach, which is distinct as it traverses through linguistics and epistemology rather than the traditional ethical schools, is utterly fascinating.

This unique perspective gives rise to a profoundly original take on virtue and morality.

Her emphasis on considering the nature of human behavior is of great significance.

Moreover, her efforts in balancing determinism with free will are invaluable.

It offers a fresh and thought-provoking lens through which we can explore the complex and nuanced world of moral philosophy.

Overall, this work serves as a testament to the depth and breadth of Murdoch's intellectual contributions in this field.

One of the most beautiful, if somewhat shaky, attacks on the cult of personality/self and the neo-Kantian fetishism of the empty, masculine will I've read.

It's truly a remarkable piece that offers a unique perspective. I highly recommend it to Simone Weil simps and decreation obsessed degenerates like myself.

Also, if you're a Levinas fan and have wet-dreams about the Other, this one's for you.

There's nothing I hate more than reading up on moral philosophy or ethics. However, it really goes to the credit of Murdoch that I was as affected as I was.

Her work has managed to break through my aversion and make me think deeply. What could her novels be like? I finally feel an urge to find out.

I'm curious to see how she weaves her ideas and themes into the fabric of her fictional worlds.

Maybe her novels will offer even more profound insights and challenges.

I can't wait to explore and discover what lies within her literary creations.

She is an iconic figure, a baddie Platonic philosopher who has a bone to pick when it comes to subjective beauty.

In the world of philosophy, her views stand out as unique and controversial.

She challenges the traditional notions of beauty that are often based on individual preferences and interpretations.

According to her, there is a higher, objective standard of beauty that exists beyond the realm of personal opinions.

This philosopher argues that subjective beauty is often influenced by cultural, social, and personal biases, which can distort our perception of what is truly beautiful.

She believes that by understanding and adhering to this objective standard, we can gain a deeper and more profound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.

Her ideas have sparked intense debates and discussions among scholars and thinkers, making her a significant and influential figure in the history of philosophy.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with her views, there is no denying the impact that she has had on the way we think about beauty and aesthetics.

Iris Murdoch is an astonishing and innovative philosopher, and there are numerous valuable insights here.

Her concept of attention, which is profoundly influenced by Weil, is, in my opinion, on the right track regarding any significant endeavor. We direct our loving attention towards a project, an issue, a work of art, or an event, doing our utmost to shed our psychological distortions, fears, and selfish thoughts, and attempting to understand, represent, and embody reality as best we can.

Good morals, good art, and good thought are essentially sensitive to and, as humanly possible, in line with reality. None of this guarantees optimal behavior or even moral consensus, but it is the one thing we can do to try to make the best decisions and live as well as we can given our many limitations.

Her concept of Good and its sovereignty is also extremely beneficial. "Good" is not a thing, not a perfect essence, but a movement we make towards improvement. It is an open orientation towards the external world, a just and loving gaze towards the particulars. Good is a transcendentally necessary concept, in the Kantian or Bhaskarian sense, required for intelligible discourse and goals.

Bhaskar, for example, says about discourse that moral realism is immanently contained within it simply because having language means valuing truth and information. This may be distorted, partial, etc., but ultimately, truth is good if language is worth using at all. Similarly, "Good," as strange and unincarnated as it is, is the illuminating sun of the process of dialectically overcoming limitations. Anytime we think about the best (most good) way to phrase something to convey the truth we are trying to convey, we are using our inbuilt concept of Good. Anytime we attempt to refine anything, we are using this strange, subterranean concept.

Good can never be truly incarnated, just as there is no such thing as a perfect work of art or a perfect real decision. If they were perfect, they would be a totalized simplicity and not an amazing but still fundamentally limited and heterogeneous subset of being. Nevertheless, we strive to continuously perfect, to repeatedly eliminate absences in our work, our art, our conduct, and our social movements.

By the same token, "Good" is not a goal but the immanent yardstick by which any attempt to reach a goal is measured. It cannot be reduced to other concepts or specified, and any attempt to do so gets mired in details, thereby removing its immanent universality.

Goodness is connected with the attempt to see the unself, to see and respond to the real world in the light of a virtuous consciousness.

Father Barron's clip on God and Morality offers an excellent book recommendation.

This clip serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the relationship between God and morality. Father Barron presents his insights in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The recommended book likely delves deep into this complex topic, providing in-depth analysis and thought-provoking discussions. It may offer different perspectives and interpretations, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

By watching the clip and considering the recommended book, viewers can gain a better understanding of how God and morality intersect in our lives. It can inspire them to further explore this area of study and perhaps even make positive changes in their own moral compass.

Overall, Father Barron's clip and the associated book recommendation are a great starting point for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of God and morality.

Some truly remarkable secular philosophy has emerged, drawing significantly from Christian concepts.

However, in my view, Murdoch's stance begins to decline when she attempts to construct a robust epistemology based on fundamentally inaccessible metaphysics.

The idea of deriving a comprehensive understanding of knowledge from something that is essentially beyond our reach seems rather tenuous.

While borrowing from Christian ideas can bring certain insights, relying too heavily on an unknowable metaphysical foundation may undermine the stability and credibility of the resulting epistemological framework.

It is important to carefully consider the implications and limitations of such an approach to ensure that the philosophy being developed is both sound and capable of withstanding critical examination.

Perhaps a more balanced and pragmatic approach would be to build an epistemology that takes into account both the available evidence and our human cognitive capabilities, rather than relying solely on a metaphysics that may forever remain out of our grasp.

Even better on second read.

This simple statement holds a great deal of truth. When we first read something, we may be rushed or have other distractions that prevent us from fully understanding or appreciating it. However, upon a second read, we often notice details that we missed the first time around.

We may gain a deeper understanding of the author's message, or we may discover new connections and insights. The second read allows us to slow down and truly engage with the text, rather than simply skimming through it.

Whether it's a book, a poem, or an article, taking the time to read it a second time can be a rewarding experience. It can enhance our enjoyment of the piece and expand our knowledge and understanding. So the next time you pick up a piece of writing, consider giving it a second read. You may be surprised at how much more you get out of it.

You read Simone Weil, and you may not necessarily concur with every single thing she utters. She perhaps pushes things to the extreme. However, when you read Weil, you remain open to her words. And lo and behold, you, that little Grinch within you, feel your heart expand three sizes! (…at least for a while until you revert to your doom scrolling or venture out into the city once more). So, where should one go next? Maybe to one of the two greatest Simone Weil disciples(/simps/fangirls), Iris Murdoch or the later Camus?

Clearly, I opted for Murdoch… Who wouldn't be easily charmed by a concise 112-page book of philosophy? But don't be deceived by its brevity; it is a dense work (or, at times during my reading, I was left wondering, Is it me? Am I perhaps the dense one? [The answer is most definitely yes]).

Murdoch takes up Weil's fallen torch of warmth and love and carries it forward into the second half of the 20th century. It is an era of existential and nihilistic coldness, where individualism and free will prevail over each of our private islands of isolation (this all sounds a bit like clichéd masculism, doesn't it?). Murdoch proclaims that we must learn to exist in the world with others, to seek out what is good and beautiful, and, most importantly, to see and love. Here, we witness how the Weilian seed of attention has germinated in Murdoch's own philosophy—she tells us that we must learn to perceive the world as it truly is, not just as we think it is or as the delusional fantasies we wish to envision (in other words, don't be a Charles Arrowby, although that might still be too low of a standard). We must extricate ourselves from the self and open ourselves up towards the Good (Murdoch does leave this simple yet complex concept of 'Good' rather ambiguous). Being good and uncovering the Good is a process that we might dedicate our entire lives to, but we strive. And we have the beauty found in nature and art to assist us in that pursuit.

4.5*

There are three essays in which she delves into the topic of how to reduce our ego.

She also explores how Western society will take shape based on the concept of a personal and all-seeing God.

These essays are extremely complex and require multiple readings. They are suitable for both writers and readers.

The key to reading them is to consider whether it is possible to philosophize through literature and our concept of God.

Why do we act kindly towards others or ourselves?

Is it because of our belief in a higher power or some other internal motivation?

These are the kinds of questions that these essays raise and encourage us to思考.

By engaging with these ideas, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in society.

Whether we agree or disagree with the author's观点, these essays offer a valuable opportunity for reflection and growth.

The writer, in my opinion, employs a significant number of commas. I am aware that this is a judgment on my part. It seems as if there is not a single sentence, if one were to believe, in the entire book that contains less than three commas.

Geez louise! The Sovereignty of the Good part makes for a fine read. However, the rest of the text is written in the mid-20th Century academic blathering style. In this style, it becomes rather difficult to determine if a point is actually being made. The use of convoluted language and excessive punctuation can sometimes obscure the intended meaning. It requires careful reading and analysis to decipher the author's thoughts.

Despite this, there are still valuable insights and ideas to be found within the text. It is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the material. By doing so, one can gain a better understanding of the subject matter and perhaps even be inspired to think differently.

Overall, while the writing style may be a bit of a challenge, the content of the book has the potential to offer a great deal of value to those who are willing to put in the effort to read and understand it.