Toward Ethical Communitarianism: Iris Murdoch’s Vision for a Sustainable Alternative to Colonialism, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Capitalism

Iris Murdoch, a British philosopher and novelist, offers rich insights into human morality, the nature of good and evil, and the role of love in ethical behaviour. While she did not specifically address the interconnectivity of colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism, her philosophical framework can be applied to critique these systems and propose an alternative.

Interconnectivity and Unsustainability

Colonialism and imperialism are systems characterized by domination and exploitation. They involve the subjugation of one nation by another, driven by economic, political, and ideological motives. Murdoch’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of seeing others clearly and recognizing their intrinsic value. Colonialism and imperialism, however, are based on the objectification and dehumanization of the colonized, reducing them to means for economic gain and political power. This lack of moral vision leads to injustice and suffering, creating a system that is inherently unsustainable because it breeds resistance and resentment among the oppressed.

Nationalism, in its extreme form, often fosters an exclusionary and antagonistic attitude towards other nations and cultures. It prioritizes the interests of one’s own nation above all else, leading to xenophobia and conflict. Murdoch’s emphasis on love and the importance of transcending the self can be seen as a critique of nationalism. She believed that a true understanding of morality involves looking beyond one’s immediate desires and prejudices. Nationalism’s focus on self-interest and superiority contradicts this ethical ideal, making it a divisive and ultimately unsustainable force in global politics.

Capitalism, particularly in its unregulated form, emphasizes profit maximization and individualism. It often leads to significant economic inequalities and environmental degradation. Murdoch’s philosophy highlights the moral dangers of self-centeredness and the neglect of others’ welfare. Capitalism’s focus on competition and accumulation can promote selfish behavior and disregard for communal well-being and environmental sustainability. This system’s unsustainability is evident in the social and ecological crises it frequently generates.

Sustainable Alternative System

Ethical Communitarianism: A sustainable alternative drawing on Murdoch’s philosophy would emphasize ethical communitarianism, a system that balances individual rights with communal responsibilities. This approach integrates the following elements:

Moral Vision and Love: At the core of Murdoch’s philosophy is the idea of seeing the world clearly, beyond our selfish desires, and loving others for their own sake. An ethical communitarian system would prioritize education and cultural practices that cultivate empathy, moral clarity, and a deep appreciation for the intrinsic value of all individuals and the natural world.

Social Justice and Equity: Addressing the inequalities generated by colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism, this system would focus on creating fairer economic structures. This could involve cooperative ownership models, equitable distribution of resources, and policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.

Environmental Stewardship: Recognizing the interdependence of human and ecological systems, ethical communitarianism would promote sustainable practices that protect and restore the environment. This would include investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation efforts.

Global Solidarity: Moving beyond nationalism, this system would encourage global cooperation and solidarity. It would support international institutions and agreements aimed at promoting peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Participatory Democracy: Ensuring that all members of society have a voice in decision-making processes is crucial. This involves fostering a political culture where citizens are engaged, informed, and capable of contributing to the common good.

Drawing on Iris Murdoch’s philosophy, we can critique the interconnected and unsustainable nature of colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism. These systems are rooted in domination, exclusion, and self-interest, leading to widespread injustice and environmental degradation. A sustainable alternative, ethical communitarianism, would emphasize moral vision, social justice, environmental stewardship, global solidarity, and participatory democracy, fostering a more just and sustainable world.

Who is Iris Murdoch?

Iris Murdoch’s philosophical focus primarily revolves around the concepts of morality, the nature of good and evil, and the role of attention and love in ethical life. Her work emphasizes the importance of seeing the world clearly and the moral significance of truly perceiving others and the reality around us.

Key Philosophical Concepts:

The Sovereignty of Good: Murdoch argues that goodness is a fundamental, objective reality. She believes that the pursuit of goodness is central to human life, and that understanding and perceiving the good is crucial for ethical behaviour.

Moral Vision and Attention: Murdoch introduces the idea that morality involves a kind of vision or attention. To be moral, one must see the world clearly, free from selfish desires and illusions. This clear vision enables a person to respond to the world and to others with love and compassion.

Unselfing: She stresses the importance of “unselfing”—the process of looking beyond oneself and one’s egocentric desires. This involves focusing on others and the world, thus fostering humility and a deeper understanding of reality.

Art and Literature: Murdoch believes that art and literature play a crucial role in moral development. Through engagement with art, individuals can enhance their capacity for moral vision and empathy, as art helps them to see the world from different perspectives.

Relevance to Global Politics:

Ethical Leadership: Murdoch’s emphasis on moral vision and the importance of seeing the world clearly can inform ethical leadership in global politics. Leaders who strive to perceive reality accurately and act based on an objective sense of good are better equipped to make decisions that serve the common good.

Empathy and Compassion: In an interconnected world, the ability to understand and empathize with others is crucial. Murdoch’s philosophy encourages leaders and citizens alike to cultivate empathy, which can lead to more humane and just policies, particularly in areas such as immigration, human rights, and international relations.

Combating Selfishness and Corruption: Murdoch’s idea of “unselfing” is particularly relevant in addressing the issues of corruption and self-serving behaviors in politics. By focusing on the needs and realities of others, political actors can work towards more transparent and equitable systems.

Cultural and Ethical Enrichment: Her belief in the role of art and literature in moral development suggests that fostering cultural and educational exchanges can enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. This can help build a more peaceful and collaborative global community.

Addressing Global Challenges: Clear moral vision and the pursuit of the common good are essential in tackling global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Murdoch’s philosophy can inspire a collective effort to address these issues ethically and effectively.

Iris Murdoch’s philosophical focus on morality, attention, and the pursuit of goodness offers valuable insights for global politics. It encourages leaders and individuals to act ethically, see the world and others clearly, and foster empathy and compassion, all of which are essential for addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Additional Readings:

Murdoch, I. (1954). Under the Net. Chatto & Windus.

Murdoch, I. (1961). A Severed Head. Chatto & Windus.

Murdoch, I. (1970). The Sovereignty of Good. Routledge & Kegan Paul.

Murdoch, I. (1978). The Sea, The Sea. Chatto & Windus.

Murdoch, I. (1987). The Book and the Brotherhood. Chatto & Windus.

Murdoch, I. (1995). Existentialists and Mystics: Writings on Philosophy and Literature. Penguin.

O’Connor, P., (Ed.). (2004). Iris Murdoch, Philosopher. Oxford University Press.

Conradi, P. J. (Ed.). (2001). Existentialists and Mystics: Writings on Philosophy and Literature (2nd ed.). Penguin.