Simon Critchley, a renowned philosopher and author, dives into the mystical intersection of music, art, and spirituality. He reflects on his upbringing in socially Catholic Liverpool while comparing it to New York's cultural diversity. The conversation explores how music creates communal and transcendent experiences, especially during the pandemic. Critchley also shares insights on the influence of transformative educators and the interplay between literature and philosophy, touching on the comedic elements in works like those of the Marx Brothers.
Critchley explores mortality in philosophy, highlighting how historical thinkers confronted death, shaping their philosophical legacies.
He emphasizes the significance of devotional objects like Nina Simone's gun as vessels for spiritual connection and mysticism.
Critchley critiques hope as a potentially dangerous concept, drawing parallels between religious rituals and sports experiences in human longing.
Deep dives
Exploration of Philosophy through Mortality
One central idea discussed is the exploration of philosophy through the lens of mortality, particularly in Simon Critchley's work, 'The Book of Dead Philosophers.' This book examines how philosophers from historical figures like the pre-Socratics to modern philosophers faced their deaths and reflects on the influence of their philosophical beliefs on their final moments. Critchley uses the concept of death not only to delve into the thoughts of these philosophers but also as a means to understand the evolution of philosophical thought over centuries. The approach encourages readers to contemplate the interconnectedness of life, death, and philosophical inquiry.
Devotional Objects and Mysticism
Critchley shares his fascination with devotional objects, exemplified by Nina Simone’s gun, which he perceives as a relic of significance. He discusses how such objects transcend their material form and become vessels for ritual and spiritual connection, paralleling practices within mysticism. This notion posits that objects, even those seemingly trivial, can embody deep meaning and become focal points for worship or remembrance, revealing the animistic qualities embedded in the world. Through examining these objects, Critchley aims to reinvigorate the discourse around mysticism and its connection to everyday life.
The Role of Hope in Religion and Sports
Critchley articulates a critical view of hope, suggesting it can be a dangerous concept that can lead to disillusionment. Drawing an analogy between religious practices and the experience of watching sports, he reflects on how rituals in both spheres involve an expectancy that can be both exhilarating and painful. The hope experienced in sports, such as during a soccer match, has parallels to religious hope, displaying a shared human longing for connection and fulfillment. This contemplation prompts a deeper examination of how hope manifests in various facets of life and its potential implications on human experience.
Literature as a Gateway to Mystical Experience
Critchley emphasizes the transformative power of literature, particularly poetry and prose, as conduits to mystical experience. He discusses how reading expansive works, like those of T.S. Eliot and Wallace Stevens, can evoke feelings of transcendent connection, akin to religious experiences. The aesthetic engagement with literature allows individuals to step outside themselves and encounter vastness, intertwining the realms of thought and existence. This perspective challenges the notion of poetry as mere words, framing it as a vital element that bridges the individual and the cosmos.
Philosophy, Absurdity, and the Joy of Discovery
In the conversation, the interplay between philosophy and absurdity is explored, particularly how absurd thought experiments can illuminate complex ideas. Critchley identifies the capacity of philosophical inquiry to traverse unfamiliar terrain, suggesting that great philosophers often embrace absurdity in their quest for understanding. This approach aligns philosophy and comedy, where both require a willingness to step beyond traditional boundaries of thought. Such an exploration fosters a joyful discovery of ideas, reinforcing the idea that both philosophy and humor play significant roles in human experience.
On this episode of the Apology podcast, the philosopher, teacher, and author Simon Critchley talks with Apology’s Jesse Pearson about mysticism, krautrock, the Marx Brothers, and his up-and-down history with the work of T.S. Eliot.
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