Iris Murdoch on Philosophy and Literature: Section 2

The areas in which philosophy and literature overlap are examined in this program by renowned Oxford novelist Iris Murdoch. Style and structure in philosophical writing are compared and contrasted with those in literature. The narrative abilities of Plato, Schopenhauer, and Kant are examined. Philosophy's predilection for accepting only literature that supports its theories is discussed as a source of antagonism between the two disciplines.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Bryan
• Magee
• Iris
• Murdoch
• Philosophy
• Literature
• Plato
• Schopenhauer
• Kant

[ellandelachapelle]

"It means looking at things which one takes for granted and suddenly seeing that they are very very odd indeed." What a remarkable woman! To be able to utter aphorisms effortlessly in a conversation! (I have read this amazing description of philosophy before. And I had imagined it to be the fruit of hours of contemplating about the exact words!) I suppose her pupils didn't want to miss one single lesson!

[Pheonixeye88]

Potentially the mark of a great natural novelist/philosopher - the ability to give utterance to meaningful expression without premeditation

[indiebandit1]

@ibook4113 hmm, I would also agree with your sentiment on the nature of Romantic poetry as a personal, and mystifying form of literature. However, I would content that such poetry is too, a method and portrayal of truth. The intrinsic difference between the realist novel, and romantic poem, is not the varying levels of truth, but rather the manner and form of truth.

[iLOVENATURE2011]

very well explained... helped me a lot...=)

[Allen1029]

year?



[mananacl]

For something to be fictitious, it needs to be invented or dramatized. At least parts of it are made up. Poetry is not. Some poetry is obviously fiction (narrative), but lyrical poetry is something completely removed from fiction. It's certainly not just for entertainment, like Murdoch seems to think. RomanFieldway is right, poetry is pretty close to philosophy. But still, poetry mystifies (makes mystical and mysterious), while pure philosophical writing attempts to clarify. Both pursue truth.

[CrimsonToast]

@RomanFieldway In what sense is poetry not fiction? Are you stating that all poetry, without exception, is non-fiction?

If so, what are your definitions of key terms that lead up to that conclusion?

[xinxinming]

Thank you sooo much for uploading these !!! I read all her books; in a way she has accompanied me throughout my adolescence, her stories and her characters have always been close to me while I was growing up.

It's quite moving to now actually see her and hear her speak ! She is so wonderful! I honestly didn't expect her to be so sweet and kind . thanks so much!!

[RomanFieldway]

To start with, poetry is not fiction.

[RomanFieldway]

They not distinguish poetry from the "multivarious" body of literature. I think poetry is another kind of game, indeed closer to philosophy than they think.