Versions of Events

Abstract

Reflection on ethics and literature is an education in contrasts. Winch treats the novel as a source of examples, important because of their capacity to throw philosophical argument about moral life into relief. Nussbaum, in her predominant mode, sees literature as essential to the central question of ethics — what kind of life should I/we live? Rorty turns to the novel as an edifying example, a distinctive and often unsettling way of increasing our sensitivity to others, and possibly, our solidarity with them. But what is it for moral philosophers to find a novel edifying? To be edified is not merely to be entertained or amused, even though both may contribute to instruction. An edifying example is not the same as one that convinces. Indeed, in the sceptical ironist vocabulary the phrase “you’ve convinced me” looks unwanted, as neither necessary nor welcome.