Publication detail

Iris Murdoch between buddhism and christianity: moral change, conceptual loss/recovery, unselfing

Authors: Beran Ondřej | Marchal Kai

Year: 2022

Type of publication: článek v odborném periodiku

Name of source: International Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Publisher name: Routledge

Place: Oxon

Page from-to: 180-199

Titles:

Language	Name	Abstract	Keywords
cze	Iris Murdoch mezi buddhismem a křesťanstvím: morální změna, ztráta/obnova pojmů, zbavení sebe	The article discusses Iris Murdoch's philosophical relationship to Buddhism. First, we argue that Murdoch was not, and did not identify herself as, a Buddhist. Then we suggest caution regarding Murdoch's interpretations of Buddhism. On the one hand, she applies the limited viewpoint of her era. On the other hand, her approach is motivated by insights tracing affinities between Buddhism and Husserl's and Sartre's analyses of consciousness, as well as Platonic ideas of unselfing and self-purification. Murdoch's reflections on Buddhism serve primarily a complex argument about the role of religion in our moral lives, as these reflect the rapidly changing Western cultural environment. She envisages the possibility for Christianity to learn from Buddhism and move closer towards demythologisation and a radical, loving commitment to the others here and now. While Murdoch's observations may not be accurate as a 'diagnosis of our times', they serve as a valuable opening for reflecting on our lives in the suggested terms. They are also inspiring in their optimism that there is the possibility to learn from others (other cultures, other religions) for the better. The 'muddled' nature of our reality does not thwart this possibility of learning; it only makes its particular steps unpredictable.	Iris Murdoch; budhismus; křesťanství; nesvéprávnost; koncepční změna
eng	Iris Murdoch between buddhism and christianity: moral change, conceptual loss/recovery, unselfing	The article discusses Iris Murdoch's philosophical relationship to Buddhism. First, we argue that Murdoch was not, and did not identify herself as, a Buddhist. Then we suggest caution regarding Murdoch's interpretations of Buddhism. On the one hand, she applies the limited viewpoint of her era. On the other hand, her approach is motivated by insights tracing affinities between Buddhism and Husserl's and Sartre's analyses of consciousness, as well as Platonic ideas of unselfing and self-purification. Murdoch's reflections on Buddhism serve primarily a complex argument about the role of religion in our moral lives, as these reflect the rapidly changing Western cultural environment. She envisages the possibility for Christianity to learn from Buddhism and move closer towards demythologisation and a radical, loving commitment to the others here and now. While Murdoch's observations may not be accurate as a 'diagnosis of our times', they serve as a valuable opening for reflecting on our lives in the suggested terms. They are also inspiring in their optimism that there is the possibility to learn from others (other cultures, other religions) for the better. The 'muddled' nature of our reality does not thwart this possibility of learning; it only makes its particular steps unpredictable.	Iris Murdoch; buddhism; christianity; unselfing; conceptual change

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