Owl of Minerva

A Memoir

Mary Midgley (Newcastle Upon-Tyne University, UK)

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English

Routledge
03 July 2007

Philosophy; Ethics & moral philosophy

One of the UK’s foremost living moral philosophers, Mary Midgley recounts her remarkable story in this elegiac and moving account of friendships found and lost, bitter philosophical battles and of a profound love of teaching.

In spite of her many books and public profile, little is known about Mary’s life. Part of a famous generation of women philosophers that includes Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Warnock and Iris Murdoch, Midgley tells us in vivid and humorous fashion how they cut a swathe through the arid landscape of 1950s British Philosophy, writing and arguing about the grand themes of character, beauty and the meaning of rudeness.

The mother of three children, her journey is one of a woman who during the 1950s and 1960s was fighting to combine a professional career with raising a family. In startling contrast to many of the academic stars of her generation, we learn that Midgley nearly became a novelist and started writing philosophy only when in her fifties, suggesting that Minerva’s owl really does fly at dusk.

Charting the highs and lows of philosophy and academia in Britain, this publication sheds light on Mary’s close friends, her moral philosophy and her meetings with major philosophers, including Wittgenstein and Isaiah Berlin.

By: Mary Midgley (Newcastle Upon-Tyne University UK)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 12mm
Weight: 300g
ISBN: 9780415371391
ISBN 10: 0415371392
Pages: 232
Publication Date: 03 July 2007
Audience: General/trade , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Owl of Minerva: A Memoir

'Not only a superbly lively account of being educated in the first half of the twentieth century, but a portrait of one of the most utterly sensible, accessible and humane philosophers of our age.' - Rowan Williams (Archbishop), Times Literary Supplement 'Her memoir is a warm and reassuring account of the value of civilised life and of the confidence it can provide.' - The Scotsman 'This memoir contains humour as well as wit and is a joy to read.' - The Tablet 'A warm and humorous memoir by one of the UKs leading moral philosophers. Many young students sense well enough that in the present darkness, articulate and well-informed understanding of their scientific civilization, its values and politics is necessary. They need their Midgleys.' - Simon Blackburn , The New Scientist 'Insightful and enjoyable' TPM Online