The work of philosopher Mary Midgley, who passed away in recent years, persistently grappled with fundamental questions concerning human nature, morality, and the very purpose of philosophical inquiry. Her writings, often framed against a backdrop of burgeoning scientific ambition and what she perceived as a "cult of impersonality," urged a return to understanding our place within the natural world.
Midgley's central thesis emphasized that our understanding of ourselves – our very conceptions of "human nature" – fundamentally shapes our moral frameworks and our actions. She contended that these conceptions are frequently interwoven with deeply ingrained "myths or imaginative visions." Her approach was not about abstract theorizing divorced from reality; rather, it involved what one source describes as "philosophical plumbing," focused on exposing and untangling conceptual faults and tangles.
Philosophy's Place in a Specialized World
Midgley argued forcefully that philosophy is not a domain solely for academics but a pursuit that "concerns everybody." She critiqued a growing tendency, particularly within scientific circles, to focus on specialized parts of the world without addressing the broader implications for human existence. This critique appears in her reflections on the "tempting visions of science" and the "mystique of scientism," suggesting a caution against an uncritical embrace of scientific perspectives that might overshadow a more holistic understanding of life.
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Her book, What Is Philosophy For?, is presented as a "vigorous swansong" that revisits many of her key themes. It offers a "robust, yet not uncritical, defence of philosophy and the life of the mind." This defense seems rooted in her belief that philosophy's role is to help us comprehend our context and trace our lineage – "how we came to be where we are."
Re-evaluating Our Kinship with Other Animals
A significant thread in Midgley's later work involves her reflections on animals. She observed a real shift in thinking about non-human animals over the preceding half-century, learning to "think differently about them." While not denying their unique characteristics, she sought to understand how these might arise within a primate species, rather than viewing them as mere "machines or a type of disembodied spirit." This perspective clearly links to her broader concerns about animal and environmental ethics.
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A Legacy of Philosophical Reckoning
Midgley's philosophical journey also touched upon the idea of a "golden age of female philosophy," suggesting that historical accounts hold valuable lessons for contemporary thought. Her exploration of themes such as "death and the human animal" signals a discomfort with superficial attempts to overcome mortality, advocating instead for an acceptance of our biological limitations.
In essence, Midgley's contribution lies in her persistent effort to reconnect philosophical inquiry with the lived realities of human existence, challenging prevailing notions that might obscure our fundamental nature and our place within the wider tapestry of life.
