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 Bates’s sense of honor, feel for Mary’s aimlessness, envy Carson’s steadfastness, and thrill to Violet’s 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 him—especially to the point of marrying him? Would Lord Grantham have been justified in blocking Lady Sybil’s 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 O’Brien’s actions leading to Lady Grantham’s 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 let’s begin!