The Concept of Goodness in Philosophy and Literature

Moral philosophy and ethics are centered on the idea of goodness because it directs our
choices and behaviors in life. The definition of goodness and the means of achieving it are
interpreted differently by different philosophical schools. Moral absolutism, which maintains
that some behaviors are always good or bad regardless of the situation, is a popular viewpoint
on goodness. This viewpoint is frequently linked to ethical frameworks that establish a set of
principles of universal morality and religious beliefs. Alternatively, moral relativism contends
that the definition of goodness is arbitrary and subject to change based on personal
convictions, cultural conventions, and individual viewpoints. Taking diversity and context
into account is crucial when making ethical decisions, and this viewpoint casts doubt on the
concept of unchanging moral truths. Virtuous ethics, which emphasizes the growth of moral
character and the cultivation of virtuous traits, is another significant philosophical viewpoint
on goodness. This viewpoint holds that an individual's moral character defines goodness
rather than any particular set of behaviors or laws. In virtue ethics, the significance of
developing virtues like bravery, honesty, and compassion is emphasized. These virtues help
people make moral decisions and lead fulfilling lives. This way of thinking exhorts people to
pursue moral greatness and to live moral lives that reflect virtue in their deeds and
relationships with others. The idea of goodness is frequently portrayed in literature through
moral quandaries, themes, and characters. Storytelling is a tool used by writers to explore
morality, the nature of good and evil, and human nature.

According to Iris Murdoch's philosophical viewpoint, the idea of goodness is very complex
and all-encompassing. Her conviction that there are objective moral truths that are a part of
reality and unaffected by human perception informs her understanding of goodness. Murdoch
contends that moral perception allows us to understand goodness as a fundamental aspect of
reality rather than a purely subjective construct. Murdoch highlights that moral reasoning
depends on having a clear, unclouded perception. According to her, the key to genuine moral
discernment is having the capacity to see things as they actually are. According to her
perspective, goodness is linked to noticing beauty. Evil is often a kind of blind spot. Goodness
is about trying to see and understand others; it is associated with being open to perspectives
beyond our own ego. (Murdoch,1970) Murdoch highlights the relationship between morality,
perception, and the capacity to put aside one's own interests in these remarks. She contends
that seeing beyond oneself and appreciating the inherent worth of others is the foundation of
true moral goodness. The connection between beauty and the comprehension and application
of goodness is emphasized by this statement. To be kind is to recognize and value the beauty
that surrounds us. This begins with appreciating other people's kindness, integrity, or love.
According to her, appreciating and comprehending the perspectives of others is the first step
toward doing good. Being good involves seeing the people and environment around us as well
as our inner selves. This calls for compassion, comprehension, and decency.

Murdoch contends that the foundation of goodness is perceiving, comprehending, and

appreciating others by highlighting the difference between good and evil. To be good means
to put other people's needs ahead of our own and take into account their viewpoints. In ethical
living and interpersonal relationships, this is a crucial idea. According to her, a human being
cannot escape from moral philosophy; it effects nature and can help humans’s nature. There
are two moral tools in moral philosophy. Firstly, morality is present in all kinds of
discussions. Secondly, since we are looking for an idea, it can make this more possible in
moral philosophy. If we are dealing with moral philosophy, it is not possible to say, Let’s stay
away from every understanding; we cannot be neutral. Murdoch says that moral philosophy is
living with us at every moment. Human life is built on purpose.

Traditionally, she does not believe in the existence of God, but still, she believes that
human beings have a name in this world, and she does not talk about metaphysics. However,
she says that in this world, human beings are significant and have an aim. Human beings are
moral creatures. Even that is enough to have a purpose in this life. Existentialism was popular
in Murdoch’s period. Existentialists believe that we have no essence. Essence means
something that is innately given to you. When you are born, you are born with an essence.
Existentialism does not accept that we are born with certain equipment. It talks about how we
make our own choices.

In moral philosophy, Murdoch talks about two kinds of love. The first one is practical love,
and the second one is pathological love. Love that is realistic and grounded in common sense
is known as practical love. It enables the individual to honestly assess those they hold dear.
Respecting the object of one's affection and genuinely caring about its welfare are
characteristics of this kind of love. Mutual trust, comprehension, and dedication are also its
foundations. If this love has rational actions, it will be practical love. Pathological love is the
term used to describe an unhealthy, compulsive, and illogical kind of love. The individual
overlooks their errors and exaggerates how much they are loved. Addiction, manipulation,
and control are some of the negative behaviors that are frequently linked to pathological love.
This kind of love is not a reflection of the loved one's actual existence but rather of the
person's own emotional needs. This kind of love is the negative one because this feeling is
temporary, like when someone eats chocolate. We can observe these two ideas through the
characters in Iris Murdoch's book "A Fairly Honorable Defeat." In contrast to other characters
who exhibit pathological love, which is illogical, compulsive, or manipulative, some
characters embody practical love, which is realistic and healthy. Murdoch's processing of
these two concepts is demonstrated through the interactions and actions of the book's
characters. A viewpoint on the complexities of human relationships and love is provided to
the reader by the characters' attitudes toward love and the dynamics in their relationships.

For Kant, acting out of a sense of duty and treating others as ends in themselves rather than
as means to an end are key components of moral goodness. A person who consistently
adheres to these principles is considered virtuous. The key is to follow the rules, no matter
what happens. (Tarantino,2023) According to Kant, moral behavior ought to be driven more
by a sense of obligation than by selfish goals or unintended consequences. Being obedient to
one's duty entails abiding by moral standards, irrespective of one's own desires or the result.
People should always be viewed as ends in and of themselves, which means they have
intrinsic value and shouldn't just be a means to an end in and of themselves. This is Kant's
philosophy. Making moral decisions requires us to respect the autonomy and dignity of
others. According to Kantian ethics, someone who consistently upholds moral standards and
behaves morally out of obligation is regarded as virtuous. The purpose and motivation behind
an action determine its virtue, not the result of it. Under what is known as the categorical
imperative, Kant emphasizes the significance of abiding by moral laws or principles in all
situations. Kant believed that moral obligations were unconditional, universal, and applicable
to all rational beings. Kant's deontological perspective on ethics states that moral goodness
and virtue are primarily constituted by duty, respect for others, consistency, and adherence to
moral rules. Murdoch says that according to Kant’s ideology, if we follow some rules in our
lives, we will be good people; we should not violate the rules of existence. Kant says that
“good will” is the only thing that is good. If you want to be good, you should have good will.
Kant is a realist; he says that reason is the most important thing to decide what is right or
wrong in our lives, but at the same time, he attributes emotions to the reason.

Iris Murdoch highlights the virtue and goodness that exist within each and every human
being in her article "The Sovereignty of Good." Murdoch contends that morality and virtue
have more to do with a person's intentions and inner nature than they do with their outward
deeds. Regardless of outside circumstances, kindness and honesty that are concealed in a
person's inner world are valuable qualities. Murdoch presents the concept of virtue and
goodness' "sovereignty" in the piece. This implies that the foundation of ethical behavior is
innate goodness of heart and morality. Murdoch's ethical philosophy places a strong emphasis
on good faith and integrity, which bolster one's sense of social responsibility. In this article,
she says that the endeavor to perceive the unself as it is, instead of how it seems, is linked to
goodness. (Murdoch, 1970)This quote is the most relevant one about goodness in The
Sovereignty of Good. According to Murdoch, goodness transcends outward deeds or
appearances. The underlying characteristics of character, intention, and motivation are just as
important as the outward behavior. Sincerity and a dedication to moral integrity are the
hallmarks of true goodness, which springs from the very core of a person. The definition of
"unself" is the true self, the core of who we are that transcends our societal roles, desires, or
egotistical motivations. In order to be authentic in our relationships with one another and
ourselves, Murdoch exhorts us to look past the masks we put on. In order to do this, we must
accept and acknowledge our flaws, weaknesses, and strengths. Murdoch highlights the
significance of viewing reality with objectivity and veracity. This calls for a willingness to
face difficult facts about oneself and other people without giving in to illusion or self-
deception. In order to see the world more deeply and intelligently, it entails developing
empathy and self-awareness. It is difficult, according to Murdoch, to genuinely see the self
and recognize the goodness in both ourselves and other people. Introspection, deliberate
effort, and a readiness to challenge our presumptions and prejudices are necessary. It also
entails facing the complexity of human nature and accepting uncertainty. Murdoch's comment
ultimately refers to the process of moral development and self-discovery. It encourages us to
reflect and examine ourselves on a regular basis in an effort to make sure that what we do is
consistent with our core beliefs.

Plato's philosophical ideas had an impact on Iris Murdoch, who made particular reference
to his notion of "the good." Murdoch's ethical philosophy and Plato's philosophical ideas are
similar. Plato asserts that the idea of "good" refers to an objective, universal, and immutable
reality. Above all, the good is valuable because it is the real source of existence and
knowledge. Plato argues that in order to realize the "good" and lead a life that is consistent
with this ideal, people must make use of their free will and actions. Iris Murdoch addressed
the idea of "good" as an objective, universal reality in her writings like "The Sovereignty of
Good." She said that virtue and good will in a person's inner life are reflections of a true
"good.". A true definition of good must include virtues like honesty, truthfulness, and good
intention. (Murdoch,1970) Justice, benevolence, and inner virtues are reflected in goodness.
Realizing one's greatest soul potential is made possible by true goodness. (Plato, 380
BC)These two quotations are related by their shared theme concerning the definition of
"goodness" and how it relates to internal virtues. Iris Murdoch and Plato's philosophical
tradition both stress the significance of internal virtues in determining what is genuinely good.

Murdoch's quotation emphasizes the importance of qualities like integrity, goodness of

purpose, and honesty in comprehending what "true good" is. She contends that sincere
goodness springs from intentions and character traits that represent internal virtues. Parallel to
this, the abridged version of Plato's thoughts highlights how "good" is a reflection of inward
virtues like fairness and kindness. As evidenced by works such as "The Republic," Plato's
philosophical tradition emphasizes the significance of developing virtues within the soul in
order to achieve true goodness. Essentially, these quotations emphasize the notion that
genuine goodness is closely linked to the development of personal virtues on an inner level.
Both of them imply that true goodness involves more than just deeds; it also involves
character traits, intentions, and moral growth on the inside.

Works Cited:

Modern Fiction Studies, Vol. 47, No. 3, IRIS MURDOCH SPECIAL ISSUE (Fall 2001), pp.
602-629

Philosophy, Vol. 47, No. 180 (Apr., 1972), pp. 178-180 (02.04.2024)

Religious Studies, Vol. 33, No. 3 (Sep., 1997), pp. 303-313 (01.04.2024)

folklor/edebiyat, Vol:24, No:95, 2018/3 (25.03.2024)

A Philosophical Quest for Goodness: What Defines a Good Person? by Grazia Tarantino Sep
4, 2023 (29.03.2024)

http://timothyquigley.net/pmi/murdoch-sgooc.pdf