A Celebration of Iris Murdoch
Iris Murdoch’s philosophical ideas center on the nature of morality, the self, and the role of love and attention in ethical life. Deeply influenced by Plato, she rejected the dominant 20th-century trends of existentialism and linguistic analysis, arguing instead for a return to metaphysical realism and the moral importance of seeing the world and others clearly.
In honour of Warwick Philosophy's 60th Anniversary, please join us on 25th September 2025 to celebrate the work of Iris Murdoch, philosopher and novelist, who received an honorary degree from Warwick in 1979.
Agenda
MORNING 11-12:30
Panel 1: Murdoch on Literature & Philosophy
Miles Leeson, Chichester
Samuel Filby, Northwestern
Eliza Little, Warwick
AFTERNOON 13:30-17:00
Panel 2: Murdoch & Existentialism
Denis McManus, Southhampton
Tom Whyman, Liverpool
Tobias Keiling, Warwick
Panel 3: Murdoch’s Moral Philosophy
Anil Gomes, Oxford
John Lysaker, Emory
Heather Widdows, Warwick
KEYNOTE 17:30
John Lysaker, Emory
“Become What You Are Not: Murdoch’s Perfectionism”
