The Sovereignty of Good by Iris Murdoch presents a profound challenge to Enlightenment-rooted perspectives of the self, advocating instead for a moral world distinct from the scientific domain. This book has been heralded as groundbreaking within modern moral philosophy, not only for its reimagining of the moral personality but also for its analytical exploration of goodness—a concept Murdoch deemed crucial both to philosophical and artistic endeavors. Her work prompts a reevaluation of moral life, urging a shift in focus towards character, virtue, and narrative as central elements in ethical discussions.

Murdoch’s philosophy aligns with the thoughts of other influential thinkers like Stephen Toulmin, who emphasizes the importance of ethics as practical wisdom, or phronesis, a concept rooted in Aristotelian thought. Alasdair MacIntyre’s significant contribution, After Virtue, spurred renewed interest in ethics centered on virtues and vices, further supporting Murdoch’s vision. In religious ethics, Stanley Hauerwas, a notable Christian ethicist, acknowledges Murdoch’s influence in his advocacy for moving away from Kantian and utilitarian perspectives towards a virtue ethics that values narrative as a principal ethical component.

Despite its impactful propositions, The Sovereignty of Good has been critiqued for its perceived severity and puritanical tone, with some readers detecting a pessimistic undertone. Additionally, ambiguities within the work have sparked debate. Although Murdoch herself rejected belief in a Christian God, she intriguingly suggests that the practice of focusing on God might aid in achieving true selfhood in the contemporary age. This paradox raises questions about whether her invocation of Platonic ideals potentially overlooks the physical and tangible aspects vital to certain ethical frameworks. Critics ponder if her moral theory inadvertently maintains the very moral isolation it seeks to dismantle.