Who Is Iris Murdoch? Age, Biography and Wiki
Iris Murdoch was born on July 15, 1919, in Dublin, Ireland. She passed away on February 8, 1999. Renowned for her contributions to literature and philosophy, Murdoch is celebrated for her profound exploration of morality, love, and human relationships in her prolific body of work. Some notable novels include The Sea, The Sea, which won the Booker Prize in 1978, and The Bell, showcasing her unique narrative style and insightful characters.
| Occupation | Philosophers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1919 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Dublin, Ireland |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Ireland |
| Date of death | 8 February, 1999 |
| Died Place | Oxford, England |
Popularity
Iris Murdoch's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Iris Murdoch had a formidable presence both in her literary works and her public appearances. In her prime, she maintained a weight of around 140 lbs (63 kg), which was typical for her height. While there are no detailed records of her specific body measurements, her striking appearance and charisma were often noted.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Iris Murdoch was not only known for her literary prowess but also her complex personal life. She married fellow writer and philosopher John Bayley in 1956, and their relationship has been a subject of interest, particularly in the context of their intellectual lives. Even after her death, Murdoch's impact on literature and philosophy remains significant. As of 2025, there are no reports of any new relationships or dating affairs, as she is primarily remembered for her contributions to the literary world and her marriage to Bayley.
Her father, a civil servant, came from a mainly Presbyterian sheep farming family from Hillhall, County Down. In 1915, he enlisted as a soldier in King Edward's Horse and served in France during the First World War before being commissioned as a Second lieutenant.
Iris Murdoch's parents first met in Dublin when her father was on leave and were married in 1918. Iris was the couple's only child. When she was a few weeks old the family moved to London, where her father had joined the Ministry of Health as a second-class clerk. She was a second cousin of the Irish mathematician Brian Murdoch.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Iris Murdoch had an estimated net worth of around £2 million (approximately $3 million). Due to her successful career as an author, she earned a significant income not only from book sales but also from adaptations of her works into film and television. Though she passed away in 1999, with the resurgence of interest in her novels and philosophical writings, her estate continues to earn revenue, keeping her legacy alive.
Career, Business and Investments
Iris Murdoch's career spanned several decades, during which she published over 26 novels, as well as numerous essays and works of philosophy. Her literary contributions have left an indelible mark on contemporary literature. In addition to her writing, Murdoch also taught philosophy at the University of Oxford, influencing generations of students through her commitment to exploring ethical issues and the nature of existence.
Murdoch's business acumen is not as widely recognized, but she invested her earnings wisely. Much of her wealth came from literary royalties. Even today, her works are studied in various academic institutions and continue to sell, leading to ongoing earnings from classic literature reselling.
In March 2019, the London-based production company Rebel Republic Films announced that it had optioned The Italian Girl, and was developing a screenplay based on the book.
Social Network
Though social media was not established during her lifetime, Iris Murdoch's legacy lives on through various online platforms. Literary enthusiasts frequently share quotes, analyses of her works, and discussions about her philosophies on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Posthumous recognition has led to the creation of fan pages and discussion groups dedicated to analyzing her impact on both literature and philosophy.
Although first a student, and later a lecturer and scholar, of 20th century British analytic moral philosophy, Murdoch rejected most of what was characteristic of that tradition. With the rise of anti-metaphysical empiricism in general, and logical positivism in particular, emotivists like A. J. Ayer and prescriptivists like R. M.
Hare settled the good independently of active cognitive practices and therefore not something to be attained by them. In The Sovereignty of Good, Murdoch argues that such a criterion of reality follows from the adoption of an "uncriticized conception of science".
Such detachment from personal immersion in the reality of moral life was incompatible with her metaphysical commitments. Lawrence Blum concludes from such considerations that "[s]he is thus a 'moral realist', 'moral objectivist' and 'moral cognitivist'[...]."
Education
Iris Murdoch was academically gifted, attending the University of Oxford, where she studied Classics and later philosophy. After graduating, she began a prestigious career marked by her dedication to academic excellence and her passion for writing. Her education shaped her worldview and provided the foundation for her future literary success.
In conclusion, Iris Murdoch's life remains an inspiring topic, reflecting her achievements and enduring influence in literature and philosophy well into 2025. Her blend of remarkable intellect, personal complexity, and literary depth continues to resonate with readers today.
Murdoch was brought up in Chiswick and educated privately, entering the Froebel Demonstration School in 1925 and attending Badminton School in Bristol as a boarder from 1932 to 1938.
In 1938, she went up to Somerville College, Oxford, with the intention of studying English, but switched to "Greats", a course of study combining classics, ancient history, and philosophy. At Oxford she studied philosophy with Donald M. MacKinnon and attended Eduard Fraenkel's seminars on Agamemnon.
She was awarded a first-class honours degree in 1942. After leaving Oxford she went to work in London for HM Treasury. In June 1944, she left the Treasury and went to work for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA). At first, she was stationed in London at the agency's European Regional Office.
In 1945, she was transferred first to Brussels, then to Innsbruck, and finally to Graz, Austria, where she worked in a refugee camp. She left the UNRRA in 1946.
