Iris Murdoch's Conception Of Philosophy

One of man’s greatest mysteries is the way in which we connect with each other, the environment and through the periods that our lives are experienced. As much as the human race has developed over the age we still struggle in understanding, not only how we feel or think, but why we do so as well. We go through life, most of us simply existing, and don’t get the chance to comprehend our presences on this earth or even enjoy it. We struggle through everyday life not thinking of the future, or thinking at all, and merely hope for the best instead of taking action and doing the best with what we’ve been given. Philosophy is a congregation of people who don’t wish to live, but aim to exist. Iris Murdoch’s incorporation of philosophy in her work is a footprint to how humans view and then comprehend the lives they live; it is then a reader’s duty to inquire on how the author felt of their world as they wrote.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, she moved with her family to London as a baby, coming to realize at an early age that her small family was “"a perfect trinity of love."(“Iris”). Iris hit her early 20s in 1940, after completing boarding school and graduating with honor in 1942, setting her life into a WWII spectacle. It wasn’t until 5 years later

Edward is gifted Hatting Hall, after living a solitary and unglamorous life as an upcoming artist and poet. Upon the gain of this house he is now forced to gain the responsibility needed to take care of his, newly appointed, staff and at the same time keeping the house in its true glory. All seems great, with him settling in to his new fame, and with his wedding around the corner nothing can be better. Until Marian, his bride to be, leaves him at the alter with a letter in her hand yet unsigned. Unbeknownst to everyone this is the workings of a curse, one which tilts his life off of its