Virtues & "The Right Sort of Description"

"Ordinary language is not a philosopher.
     "We might, however, set out from an ordinary language situation by reflecting upon the virtues. The concepts of the virtues and the familiar words which name them, are important since they help to make certain potentially nebulous areas of experience more open to inspection. If we reflect upon the nature of the virtues we are constantly led to consider their relation to each other. The idea of an 'order' of virtues suggests itself, although it might of course be difficult to state this in any systematic form. For instance, if we reflect upon courage and ask why we think it to be a virtue, what kind of courage is the highest, what distinguishes courage from rashness, ferocity, self-assertion, and so on, we are bound, in our explanation, to use the names of other virtues. The best kind of courage (that which would make a man act unselfishly in a concentration camp) is steadfast, calm, temperate, intelligent, loving.... This may not in fact be exactly the right description, but it is the right sort of description."

     --Iris Murdoch, from "On 'God' and 'Good'" in The Sovereignty of Good, p. 56 (Routledge, 2001)

Happy Holidays (and Some Free Art!)

Happy Holidays to all, and a Happy New Year!

During my visit home, the family and I ventured to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR. The museum was founded by Alice Walton (of the Wal-Mart Waltons), and admission to the museum is free in perpetuity, courtesy of Wal-Mart. (Say what you will about Wal-Mart!) I was quite impressed by the structure, the setting, and the collection. If you're ever in the area, it's worth a visit, and probably worth a visit in its own right if you're a connoisseur of American art.

I recognized several of the pieces, including iconic portraits of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, Norman Rockwell's "Rosie the Riveter," and Maxfield Parrish's "The Lantern Bearers." I hope to explore the walking trails and outdoor sculptures in the future during warmer weather.

I was particularly intrigued by these:

John Singer Sargent, Robert Louis Stevenson and His Wife (1885)

Tom Uttech, Enassamishhinjijweian (2009)
(original is about 9' x 9' and is a sight to behold in person)
(more info about Uttech here)









Irregular blogging to resume sometime after the holidays.