Best Iris Murdoch Podcasts (2025)

1
4. The Ethics of Attention: Iris Murdoch 43:01

4h ago43:01

43:01

In this episode, we discuss Chapter 6 of Cusk’s Outline alongside an essay by Murdoch called The Idea of Perfection. In this essay, Murdoch argues that the way we pay attention to the world is ethically significant. We talk about how Cusk’s narrator attends to the world, and what this leads the reader to infer about her character and sense of self.…

1
Existentialists and Mystics 1 Podcast 51:29

5h ago51:29

51:29

Have you always thought you could do with some expert guidance when reading Iris’s philosophy? Well help is at hand! This episode marks the start of a new mini-series of episodes where we’ll be reading Iris’s collected essay collection – Existentialists and Mystics – with a team of excellent academics and seasoned readers, and you can join us for t…

1
Aesthetic Arrest: Epicurean Delights from Our Neighborhood Farmers Market, An Unofficial Rose by Iris Murdoch, & Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story! 39:10

13d ago39:10

39:10

Plus a stunning debut album from our new favorite opera singer — Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, and the vibrant portraits of Fujishima Takeji! Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: Ryan Wildstar’s Signature Lemon Drop! Reading: An Unofficial Rose by Iris Murdoch Listening: Masabane Cecilia by Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (with Aron Goldin) Looking: The Art…

1
Aesthetic Arrest: Pee-wee as Himself, The Painful Truth by Skunk Anansie & Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain! 40:03

5h ago40:03

40:03

Plus the dazzling sculptures of Paola Grizi, our fond memories of eating at one of the world's best restaurants, and the perfect book to kick off Pride Month! Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: Ameztoi Txakoli (Getariako Txakolina, Spain) Reading: So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Colorby Caro de …

1
4. The Ethics of Attention: Iris Murdoch 43:00

2h ago43:00

43:00

In this episode, we discuss Chapter 6 of Cusk’s Outline alongside an essay by Murdoch called The Idea of Perfection. In this essay, Murdoch argues that the way we pay attention to the world is ethically significant. We talk about how Cusk’s narrator attends to the world, and what this leads the reader to infer about her character and sense of self.…

1
Imagining Turkey Through Romeyka: A conversation with Professor Ionna Sitaradou 40:09

1h ago40:09

40:09

In this episode, we are hosting Professor Ioanna Sitaridou, Professor of Spanish and Historical Linguistics at the University of Cambridge and co director of the Cambridge Centre for Greek Studies. Professor Sitaridou is widely known for her pioneering work in the study and preservation of languages, including her ongoing with the Romeyka Project,…

1
Season 5, Episode 7 - From sidelines to solutions: Tackling emissions in sport 49:41

1d ago49:41

49:41

As summer kicks-off, UCL Generation One dives into the intersection of sport and sustainability – exploring how sport contributes to climate change, and how the climate crisis is already affecting how and where we play. Mark and Simon are joined by Sofie Junge Pedersen, professional footballer and climate campaigner (Inter Milan, Denmark national t…

1
The Bartlett Review - The AI Blueprint for the Construction Industry 34:32

1d ago34:32

34:32

From smart buildings to robotics, solving sustainability problems to solving skill shortages, can the construction industry effectively harness the power of AI? Prof Priti Parikh is joined by Dr Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Dr Andrew Mitchell and Dr Vijay Pawar as they look at the construction sector and how it already is adapting to the use of artificia…

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Season 5 - Listening to connect: how understanding beliefs can transform public health 42:35

1d ago42:35

42:35

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess dive into how we form beliefs, and how they shape our understanding of critical public health issues. From vaccination hesitancy to climate change, the episode explores the psychological mechanisms that lead to entrenched views and the challenges of changing mi…

1
566: Can Art Save Us? 12:04

3d ago12:04

12:04

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/can-art-save-us.The world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, and we urgently need good ways to address it. Courageous politicians would help, of course, as might scientific innovations. But how much of the problem is a failure of imagination? Could the arts help us see our way out of the pr…

1
3. The Ethics of Authenticity: Charles Taylor 37:19

7d ago37:19

37:19

In this episode, we discuss Chapter 5 of Cusk’s Outline alongside Chapters 3 to 5 of Taylor’s book, The Ethics of Authenticity. Taylor identifies a tension between the sense of identity which is derived from belonging to a community, and contemporary culture’s emphasis on the importance of individual self-creation. We reflect on the ways in which C…

1
3. The Ethics of Authenticity: Charles Taylor 37:18

6d ago37:18

37:18

In this episode, we discuss Chapter 5 of Cusk’s Outline alongside Chapters 3 to 5 of Taylor’s book, The Ethics of Authenticity. Taylor identifies a tension between the sense of identity which is derived from belonging to a community and contemporary culture’s emphasis on the importance of individual self-creation. We reflect on the ways in which Cu…

1
565: True Contradictions 10:24

10d ago10:24

10:24

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/true-contradictions.If you want to tell the truth, you shouldn’t contradict yourself—that’s just common sense. A suspect who was home on the night of the crime can’t have been elsewhere, and whatever the weapon, we can rule out the hypothesis that it was both a candlestick and not a candlestick. But ther…

1
2. From Sincerity to Authenticity: Bernard Williams 49:16

13d ago49:16

49:16

In this episode, we talk about Chapters 2 and 3 of Rachel Cusk’s Outline alongside a chapter from Williams’s book Truth and Truthfulness. The chapter considers the differences between sincerity and authenticity as contending ideals of truthfulness about the self. These two ideals, on Williams’s argument, entail different ways of thinking about the …

1
2. From Sincerity to Authenticity: Bernard Williams 49:15

14d ago49:15

49:15

In this episode, we talk about Chapters 2 and 3 of Rachel Cusk’s Outline alongside a chapter from Williams’s book Truth and Truthfulness. The chapter considers the differences between sincerity and authenticity as contending ideals of truthfulness about the self. These two ideals, on Williams’s argument, entail different ways of thinking about the …

1
611: Mary Midgley 11:08

16d ago11:08

11:08

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/mary-midgley.Mary Midgley became one of the best known public intellectuals in the UK, and was one of the first philosophers to talk about climate change. Though she didn’t publish her first book—Beast and Man—till she was 59, she wrote many influential works on science, ethics, and animal rights. So, wh…

1
Iris Murdoch's Wild Imagination Podcast 58:42

20d ago58:42

58:42

Miles is joined by Lucy Oulton (University of Chichester) to discuss her new book, Iris Murdoch's Wild Imagination: Nature and the Environment (Palgrave, 2025).https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-87833-6This book presents the first ecocritical study of novelist, philosopher, poet and public intellectual Iris Murdoch (1919–1999). It bri…

1
Aesthetic Arrest: The Book of Salt, Peter Murphy's Silver Shade & A Nice Indian Boy! 44:11

20d ago44:11

44:11

Plus the sensational mixed media collage art of Lavett Ballard & the "Father of French Gastronomy” — Antonin Carême! Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: Domaine Vincent Carême Vouvray Sec (Loire, France) Reading: The Book of Salt by Monique Truong Listening: Silver Shade by Peter Murphy Looking: The Art of Lavett Ballard — including her current exhibiti…

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1. The Conversational Self: Daniela Dover 36:49

20d ago36:49

36:49

In this episode, we consider the first chapter of Cusk’s Outline alongside a paper by Daniela Dover entitled ‘The Conversational Self’. The paper examines the role of conversations in getting to know people, what an understanding of this entails for how we think about the self, and how open we should be to the influence of others. We analyse the co…

1
1. The Conversational Self: Daniela Dover 36:48

21d ago36:48

36:48

In this episode, we consider the first chapter of Cusk’s Outline alongside a paper by Daniela Dover entitled ‘The Conversational Self’. The paper examines the role of conversations in getting to know people, what an understanding of this entails for how we think about the self, and how open we should be to the influence of others. We analyse the co…

1
Local Solutions, National Crisis: New Insights on Men’s Mental Health from the North East 40:48

26d ago40:48

40:48

In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness Week, host Jade Hunter is joined by Professor John Tomaney, Dr. Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros, and James Fildes, founder of Space North East. Together, they explore a growing public health crisis: rising rates of male suicide in the UK, particularly in post-industrial regions like the North East…

1
Episode 09 - Sports, hobbies and interests 39:49

27d ago39:49

39:49

In Episode 09 of Campus Conversations the podcasters dive into the world of sports, hobbies, and personal interests, sharing their own experiences and opinions. They discuss the importance of sports in student life, how hobbies help manage stress, and the ways personal interests shape identity and social connections at university. The conversation …

1
Trailer: The Self Today 15:45

27d ago15:45

15:45

Reference to the self is ubiquitous in contemporary culture. But what is the self? Is it discovered or created? What kinds of self does literature depict? And what do philosophers have to say about it? In this trailer episode we introduce the podcast’s key questions and the literary authors on whose works we will be focusing throughout the series. …

1
Trailer: The Self Today 15:44

27d ago15:44

15:44

Reference to the self is ubiquitous in contemporary culture. But what is the self? Is it discovered or created? What kinds of self does literature depict? And what do philosophers have to say about it? In this trailer episode we introduce the podcast’s key questions and the literary authors on whose works we will be focusing throughout the series. …

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563: Derek Parfit and Your Future Self 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/derek-parfit-and-your-future-self.The works of Derek Parfit (1942-2017) have had a profound influence on how philosophers understand rational decision-making, ethics, and personal identity. At the heart of Parfit's thinking are questions about how you should relate to your future self, and whether you sh…

1
Episode 08 - Student Advisers (UCL SSWS)- Let's ask the staff! 7:33

1M ago7:33

7:33

In Episode 08 of Campus Conversations, the hosts speak with student adviser, Adella Forder-Gore, from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services to explore the vital services available to students. The discussion covers how advisers assist with academic, emotional, and practical challenges, aiming to demystify support systems at UCL. Listeners gain…

1
Aesthetic Arrest: Narcissus, Annie Dillard, Mary Cassatt & Greek Old-Fashioned Honey Donuts! 43:35

1M ago43:35

43:35

Plus two fantastic new albums from Mexican songstress Natalia Lafourcade & Malian-French supergroup Lamomali! Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: The Perfect Horchata! (recipe from Cooking Con Claudia) Reading: Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard Listening #1: Cancionera by Natalia Lafourcade Listening #2: Lamomali Totem by Lamomali (-M-, Fatoumata Diawara, …

1
The Moral Philosophy of Iris Murdoch Podcast 1:12:07

1M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

In this episode Miles is joined by joined by Mark Hopwood, Associate Professor of Philosophy, from the University of Sewanee, USA to discuss his new book – which has just been published – The Moral Philosophy of Iris Murdoch. This is his first monograph since he published the co-edited volume that he’s perhaps best known for in Murdoch circles, the…

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Season 5, Episode 6 - ‘Are we on course to decarbonise shipping?’: A podcast Talanoa at the IMO 55:40

1M ago55:40

55:40

It’s crunch time for the oceans and shipping sector, and tensions are high. Dr Simon Chin-Yee brings you this special episode of #UCLGenerationOne in the midst of critical negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Simon speaks to colleagues who have travelled across the oceans to the IMO - the UN agency responsible for regulati…

1
Giving Birth & Birth Interventions 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

Hosted by Olivia Moir, this episode of It All Starts Here explores the topic of giving birth and birth interventions, with a focus on assisted vaginal birth and the use of forceps. Olivia speaks with Dr. Dawn Parris, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor and a PhD researcher at UCL/UCLH , about the different methods of giving birth, how decisions ar…

1
Maurice Merleau-Ponty 59:02

1M ago59:02

59:02

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908-1961), who was part of the movement known as phenomenology. While less well-known than his contemporaries Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, his popularity has increased among philosophers in recent years. Merleau-Ponty rejected Rene Descartes’ division between…

1
610: Are Rules Meant to Be Broken? 10:00

1M ago10:00

10:00

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/are-rules-meant-be-broken.Rules exist for a reason: they tell us what to expect, they help us coordinate our actions, and they stop us from exploiting one another. But isn't it possible to be too much of a rule follower? Aren't some rules arbitrary, unjust, or just plain inefficient? When should we exerc…

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Aesthetic Arrest: Essex Hemphill's Love Is A Dangerous Word, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, & Vorja Sánchez - Organic Harmony! 40:07

1M ago40:07

40:07

Plus Ryan Wildstar's recipe for the perfect Bloody Mary, trailblazing saxophonist Vi Redd, & our dinner at Rozalia - a hidden gem in the heart of Athens! Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: The Bloody Mary “Chaser” Reading: Love Is A Dangerous Word: The Selected Poems of Essex Hemphill by Essex Hemphill Listening: In Honor of Jazz Appreciation Month: Th…

1
Episode 3. Step Out 37:10

1M ago37:10

37:10

Discover the transformative power of finding your place in education with our latest podcast episode of AccessGranted. Scott, a clinical sciences student at UCL, shares his story of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. In the words of Scott himself, "If you feel like you belong at a certain university or in a certain city, trus…

1
“Our Storied Town”: Donald Smith on Edinburgh’s Explosive Literary Past 44:32

1M ago44:32

44:32

S3E101 Donald Smith takes us on a literary tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, touching on the stories of writers including Robert Louis Stevenson, J. K. Rowling, Naomi Mitchison, Robert Burns and many more. To order a copy of Donald's book, Our Storied Town, click here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edinburgh-Storied-Town-Donald-Smith/dp/180425150X Title Mus…

1
609: Iris Murdoch 11:29

1M ago11:29

11:29

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/iris-murdoch.Iris Murdoch may be best known for her works of fiction, but her philosophical contributions were equally significant. A moral realist influenced by Plato and Simone Weil, she developed theories in virtue ethics and care ethics. So what is the relationship between Murdoch's works of fiction …

1
487: Changing Minds on Climate Change 10:35

2M ago10:35

10:35

More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/changing-minds-climate-change.There is consensus among scientists that global warming is real and that it’s caused by human activity. Despite the overwhelming evidence and the urgency to act, there are still many who are skeptical of or flat-out deny climate change. Are these climate deniers simply imper…

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Lecture 'A Warm Bright Significant Space' Iris Murdoch's Search for Home 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

In this, her first public lecture, Dr Maria Peacock discusses Iris Murdoch's search for home using examples from her novels and biography.This lecture was given at the University of Chichester on Saturday 29th March, 2025.By Iris Murdoch Society

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Aesthetic Arrest: Audience With the Queen, The Lies of the Artists & Vinegar Toast! 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

Plus mouthwatering recipes from Andy Baraghani, eye-opening Renaissance art, and The Return — an arresting cinematic masterpiece starring Ralph Fiennes & Juliette Binoche! Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: Portofino Spritz with Andy Baraghani Reading: The Lies of the Artists: Essays on Italian Art, 1450-1750 by Ingrid D. Rowland Listening: Audience Wi…

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Episode 07 - Politics 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

In Episode 07 of Campus Conversations, Ayesha, Sophia and Inara dive into the intersection of politics, technology, and activism. They explore the rise of AI and its ethical implications, including its impact on education, the workplace, and environmental sustainability. The discussion also covers tourism and cultural respect, the dangers of misinf…

1
Episode 5 - Reflections and endings 40:28

2M ago40:28

40:28

Reflections on the end of caring episodes and hear some final thoughts on the other themes in this mini series.Transcription link:https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rejusya_ucl_ac_uk/EQF3Nzr9SUhEnwtBBHTdxlgB0NHpkf4yq8fJ-BH5PkZckQ?e=oqkkY5Date of episode recording: 2025-04-09T00:00:00ZDuration: 40:28:00Language of episode: EnglishPre…

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Episode 4 - Working the system 48:48

2M ago48:48

48:48

Learning from carers how they find ways to work the system.Transcription link:https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rejusya_ucl_ac_uk/Ee-3E0Eo_JhNhJkziPzGYogB0gwosf1PBIUK9uH6ZYkCfw?e=Uo93uoDate of episode recording: 2025-04-09T00:00:00ZDuration: 48:48:00Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:Sarah YardleyGuests: This podcast miniseries …

1
Episode 3 - Caught in a net-of-work 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

What it is like to be caught in the net-of-work that caring so often involves.Transcription link:https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rejusya_ucl_ac_uk/EX2MHwUH7H9LhW1eCACV4yEByQ5IW6kCxjcB8JOjujelSA?e=cYxv6tDuration: 25:41:00Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:This podcast miniseries is presented by Dr Sarah Yardley, Associate Profe…

1
Episode 2 - How care functions 35:46

2M ago35:46

35:46

Exploring how care functions or not from the perspectives of people drawn into caring roles and what needs to change.Transcription link:https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rejusya_ucl_ac_uk/Ee3OFfHdGZdIupz8pHGeIV0B_nWDUpr5TWL1Bm9HKlEtrA?e=mgKBUEDate of episode recording: 2025-04-09T00:00:00ZDuration: 35:46:00Language of episode: Engl…

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Episode 1 - Can I call you a carer? 35:46

2M ago35:46

35:46

Explanations of how do you become a carer and what does it mean.Transcription link:https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rejusya_ucl_ac_uk/EcsopN9KWjtLpSyK2luAzH8BSNBv43rY9s2KLrVwRlU5LA?e=MzCHISDate of episode recording: 2025-04-09T00:00:00ZDuration: 35:46:00Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:Sarah YardleyGuests: This podcast minise…

1
Episode 0 - Introduction 11:36

2M ago11:36

11:36

An introduction to the experiences, research and ideas that led to the creation of this mini-series.Transcription link:https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rejusya_ucl_ac_uk/EWDQbsvpeONBnRP6Yt-8OnUBO7H04U1uQjZYG2e8vbsrmg?e=1FFIXcDate of episode recording: 2025-04-09T00:00:00ZDuration: 11:36:00Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:Sara…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Iris Murdoch Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen