Ecstasy and philosophy: PHILOSOPHY AND MYSTICISM |Philosopher Simon Critchley

Dec 31, 2024

Simon Critchley, a Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research and author of 'On Mysticism,' challenges the dominance of rationality in contemporary thought. He dives into how mysticism can address modern anxieties, using Hamlet as a backdrop. Critchley reflects on Julian of Norwich’s legacy, promoting love and authentic experiences. He emphasizes the transformative potential of mysticism in daily life, urging philosophers to engage publicly and incorporate compassion and curiosity into cultural conversations.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

Rediscovering Meaning through Mysticism

03:40 • 8min

Exploring the Legacy of Julian of Norwich

11:12 • 1min

Mysticism and Philosophy: A Contemplative Journey

12:31 • 15min

Philosophy Beyond Academia

27:50 • 22min

The Transformative Power of Mysticism and Reflection on Prayer

50:07 • 2min

Mysticism

Simon Critchley

In 'Mysticism,' Simon Critchley delves into the history and practice of mysticism, from its origins in Eastern and Western religions to its association with esoteric and occult knowledge, and up to the ecstatic modernism of figures like T.S. Eliot. Critchley discusses the lives of famous mystics such as Julian of Norwich and Jesus Christ, highlighting how mystical experiences can refresh our thinking and help us live deeper and freer lives. The book argues that mysticism can be an aesthetic experience, inspired by art, poetry, and music, and is not limited to religious contexts. Critchley's work is erudite and impassioned, speaking to a yearning for personal transformation and enchantment[1][2][3].

Being and time

Martin Heidegger

In 'Being and Time', Heidegger delves into the fundamental question of what it means to 'be'. The book is divided into two main divisions: the first analyzes the existentials of Dasein, or 'being-in-the-world', while the second grounds these existentials in temporality. Heidegger introduces key concepts such as 'Dasein', 'Being-with', and the three temporal ecstases (having-been, present, and to-come), emphasizing that Dasein's existence is essentially futural and characterized by its possibilities and projects. The work challenges traditional philosophical notions of subject and object, instead positing that Dasein is inseparable from its world and historical context[2][4][5].

Mysticism

Simon Critchley

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

The Women

Kristen Hanna

Lovely One

Ketanji Brown Jackson

James

Percival Everett

Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Gravity and grace

Simone Weil

In 'Gravity and Grace,' Simone Weil delves into the fundamental forces that shape human existence: gravity, which symbolizes the natural law governing material existence and human psychology, and grace, the divine power that uplifts and redeems. Weil argues that gravity encompasses suffering, selfish desires, and the mundanity of daily life, while grace is a supernatural intervention that offers moments of enlightenment and inner peace. The book, compiled from Weil's notebooks, emphasizes the importance of accepting suffering and detachment from the ego to open oneself to the experience of grace and achieve spiritual liberation[2][4][5].

Showings

Julian of Norwich

A classic work of Christian mysticism, offering profound insights into God's love and the nature of creation.

The Elementary Structures of Religious Life

Emile Durkheim

Essays in radical empiricism

William James

This work presents a series of essays that delve into the concept of radical empiricism, which asserts that experience includes both particulars and relations between those particulars. James argues that consciousness is not a separate entity but a function within the context of experiences, and he introduces the concept of 'pure experience' to redefine the relationship between thought and reality. The essays challenge existing philosophical paradigms by emphasizing that our worldview does not need extraneous trans-empirical connective support but possesses a concatenated or continuous structure based on experience itself[2][3][5].

The Mirror of the Simple Souls Who Are Annihilated and Remain Only in Will and Desire of Love

Marguerite Porete

The book is a dynamic conversation between the personifications of Love, Reason, and Truth. It describes the sevenfold annihilation of various components of the soul, leading to perfect oneness with God in love. The work was originally written in the Picard dialect of Old French and was later translated into several languages. It was highly controversial and led to Porete's execution for heresy due to its perceived antinomian and heretical content.