William Irwin - Downton Abbey and Philosophy: The Truth Is Neither Here Nor There

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Introduction

The Philosophers Are Here to See You, Milord

Downton Abbey has captivated fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Week in and week out, we tune in to see the latest travails of the Crawleys and their servants as they deal with issues of inheritance, class, love, injury, and propriety. We admire Batess sense of honor, feel for Marys aimlessness, envy Carsons steadfastness, and thrill to Violets caustic wit and subtle wisdom. Every character brings something unique to the household and to the show, and every situation reveals something new about all of the characters and their relationships with one another, as well as the evolving social structure and mores of the day.

The chapters in Downton Abbey and Philosophy introduce some of the most essential topics in philosophy using a few of the most familiar and controversial story lines from the show. Was Matthew right to push Mary away after his injury in the war? Should Daisy have lied to William about her feelings toward himespecially to the point of marrying him? Would Lord Grantham have been justified in blocking Lady Sybils marriage to Branson, the chauffeur? Should Mr. Bates have been upfront with Anna from the beginning about his past? What does it mean to say that OBriens actions leading to Lady Granthams miscarriage were objectively wrong? How do the female characters of Downton Abbey reflect different views of feminism? And is Thomas really such a bad guy?

Philosophical speculation awaits. So take a seat in your personal library, have the butler pour a cup of tea, and lets begin!

Chapter 1

The Cat That Walks by Himself

Sacrifice, Duty, and Love in Downton Abbey

Mark D. White

One of the most captivating things about Downton Abbey is its variety of romantic relationships, and the two that capture our imaginations the most seem to be the relationships between Matthew and Lady Mary upstairs and between Mr. Bates and Anna downstairs. (Id add the Dowager Countesss undying love for herself, but that would take an entire chapter to itself!) We know from the first episode that Matthew and Mary are destined to end up together, especially after they are repulsed by each other on their first meeting. The attraction between Bates and Anna, however, smolders over the first few episodes before they announce their feelings for each other halfway through the first season.