The Ethics of Attention: Engaging the Real with Iris Murdoch and Simone Weil

This book explores the importance of attention in ethics, drawing on Iris Murdoch's philosophy and engaging with other thinkers such as Simone Weil and contemporary debates. It argues that attention is fundamental to morality and that our actions, choices, and perceptions are determined by whether we pay attention and what we attend to.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound significance of attention in ethics, drawing upon the rich philosophical insights of Iris Murdoch. By exploring a range of related questions, it not only engages with Murdoch's ideas about the existence of moral reality, the importance of love, and the challenging yet essential task of resisting our natural self-centered tendencies but also offers fresh perspectives and insights.

The book argues that attention plays a pivotal role in shaping our moral lives. It reveals that our actions, choices, and even the meanings we ascribe to our experiences are profoundly influenced by whether we pay attention and to what we attend. In essence, attention is a fundamental aspect of morality, often overlooked but essential to understanding and improving our moral behavior.

While the book's discussion of attention primarily revolves around Murdoch's thought, it also engages extensively with Simone Weil, who introduced the concept of attention in a spiritual context. This interplay adds depth and richness to the exploration, as it allows for a broader understanding of attention's ethical implications. Additionally, the book engages with contemporary debates surrounding moral perception, motivation, empirical psychology, animal ethics, and Buddhist philosophy, further expanding its scope and relevance.

The Ethics of Attention is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students engaged in the study of Iris Murdoch, Simone Weil, ethics, moral psychology, and the philosophy of attention. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of attention's ethical dimensions, providing a deeper understanding of the role it plays in shaping our moral character and our relationships with others.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367759568