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Attention: The Life and Legacy of Simone Weil
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2008

Beyond Power: Simone Weil and the Notion of Authority

Desmond Avery read

Beyond Power draws on the writings of Simone Weil (b. Paris, France, 1909, d. Ashford, UK, 1943) to construct a theory of authority that challenges conventional assumptions. Avery argues that neither science nor religion nor a political mandate can provide an adequate rationale for authority. Simone Weil’s electrifying insights, derived from her experience as a social activist, factory worker, and philosophy teacher, provide ways in which to think about the essential element of authority and take it into account more fully than usually seems possible. By focusing unflinchingly on what was sacred to herself and others in religion, politics, science, work, justice, and education, she achieved a kind of authority of her own. Avery devotes a chapter to each of these six subjects, as well as to an overview of the question of authority and a short account of Simone Weil’s life.

Beyond Power will be ideal for students and teachers of philosophy, politics, religion, and history, and the humanities. Those who admire the philosophy of Simone Weil will find a compelling overview of her work, while those interested in religious questions will find a fresh approach to thinking and talking about what makes human life meaningful. Avery offers new ways to examine the burning political, religious, and scientific issues of our time.

Lexington Books, 2008

Education Justice Philosophy Political Philosophy Political-Social Philosophy Religion Science Work   Recommend
October 2021

Inside Issue 3: New and Forthcoming

Ronald KL Collins read
Affliction Attention Commentaries Gravity & Grace Israel/Judaism Judaism Love Mathematics Morality Peter Winch Philosophy Spirituality The Need for Roots Weil & Other Thinkers Weil & Wittgenstein 6 Recommendations
January-December 2024

Weil’s Vision for a Post-War France . . . and the Very Different France that Took Form

Christine Evans read
Biographical France History Political Parties 1 Recommendation
December 2023

The Waves of Weil Books: 1951-2024 — New and Forthcoming Books

read
Biographical Essays Philosophy Political-Social Philosophy Spirituality Weil & Other Thinkers 1 Recommendation
June 2023

Inside Issue 9: New and Forthcoming

read
Biographical Mysticism Political-Social Philosophy Weil & Other Thinkers 1 Recommendation
June 2023

Weilian Lessons from Abroad: Michela Dianetti’s Interview with Gabriella Fiori

Michela Dianetti & Gabriella Fiori read
Biographical Weil & Other Thinkers 1 Recommendation
June 2023

Editorial: Thoughts on Thinking (or Feeding on a Feast of Nonsense)

read
3 Recommendations
June 2023

Weilian Models for Living: 2022 Colloquy of the Association pour l’étude de la pensée de Simone Weil 

E. Jane Doering read
Biographical Conferences 5 Recommendations
December 2022

“Feeding on Light” — excerpts from new Simone Weil play by Lenora Champagne

Lenora Champagne read
Attention Force Grace Gravity Plays 1 Recommendation
December 2022

“An Argumentative Jew”: Leon Wieseltier contra Simone Weil

Palle Yourgrau read
Israel/Judaism Political Parties Political-Social Philosophy 4 Recommendations
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Keywords

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