Christian Platonism of Simone Weil

In this book a group of renowned international scholars seek to discern the ways in which Simone Weil was indebted to Plato, and how her provocative readings of his work offer challenges to contemporary philosophy, theology, and spirituality. This is the first book in twenty years to systematically investigate Weils Christian Platonism. The opening essays explore what actually constitutes Weils Platonism. Louis Dupr addresses the Platonic and Gnostic elements of her thought with respect to her negative theology, and the Christian Platonism of her positive theology as found in her reflections on beauty and the Good. Michel Narcy provides a close historical reading of Weil and discusses the degree to which her teacher Alain influenced her Platonism. Michael Ross contends that Weils interest in Plato is in "ethical Platonism." Essays by Robert Chenavier and by Patrick Patterson and Lawrence E. Schmidt consider the importance of matter and materialism in Weils Platonism and argue that it is key to understanding her political thought. A middle group of essays addresses more classically metaphysical themes in Weils thought. Vance G. Morgan examines her use of Greek mathematics. Florence de Lussy analyzes Weils distinctive, mystical Platonic reflections on Being in the last notebooks from Marseilles. Emmauel Gabellieri discusses Weils metaxology, that is, the mediation and relatedness of Being, shown in her speculative thought. Martin Andic underlines the importance of her notion of attention. The final set of essays considers Weils relevance for contemporary spirituality and moral theology. Cyril ORegan examines her thinking on violence and evil. Eric Springsted looks at the conceptual links that exist between Weil and Augustine. Finally, David Tracy contends that Weil is the foremost predecessor of recent attempts to reunite the mystical and prophetic. Drawing together some of the top Weil scholars in the world, this collection offers important new insights into her thought, and will be appreciated by philosophers and theologians.