Seeing the World Aright: Wittgenstein, Murdoch and the Ethical Engagement with Literature

The relationship between literature and morality, as experienced by Wittgenstein during his life, brings to the forefront the ethical dimension of engaging with reading. Wittgenstein’s appreciation for literature stemmed not only from its ability to illuminate significant themes of life and morality, but also from his view of reading as a deeply spiritual activity that was integral to his ethical and existential commitment. For him, reading was not a passive activity but an ethical engagement that could reveal transformative insights. I argue that it is both useful and coherent to consider the perspective offered by Iris Murdoch, which can be seen as expanding Wittgenstein’s point of view. As Murdoch claims, both philosophy and literature seek an ethical sense by fostering moral and conceptual clarity. In particular, great literature offers a disciplined vision that challenges inhibitions and preconceived notions, involving readers in a morally active and imaginative effort. Through attentive engagement, literature educates us in understanding human situations and the intricate moral and conceptual texture of life. Scholars such as Cora Diamond and Toril Moi further develop these ideas, emphasizing the moral significance of focusing on the particular in literature and life. Such attention reflects an ethical attitude that transcends individual reflection, extending to social life and diverse moral landscapes. This approach underscores the continuity between life, philosophy, and literature, encouraging an open, responsive, and ethically engaged reading practice, in the authentic Wittgensteinian spirit.