Murdochian Humility

Abstract

The following paper sets out a view of humility that is derived from Iris Murdoch but which differs from a strict-Murdochian approach in two important respects. Firstly, any association with self-abnegation is removed; and secondly, the value of a limited form of pride (recognition pride) is affirmed. The paper is nevertheless strongly continuous with her work in the sense that it builds upon her rejection of universalisability on the specific grounds that we have varying moral competences. A liberal commitment to equality should not be allow to spill out of the political domain. We are not all equal when it comes to the demands of morality. Humility is treated as a just discernment of our own limited moral competences. As such, it is a recognition of our particularity and not a form of radical self-effacement.