ABSTRACT
This paper argues that the influential French thinker, Simone Weil, has something distinctive and important to offer educational and ethical inquiry. Weil’s ethical theory is considered against the backdrop of her life and work, and in relation to her broader ontological, epistemological and political position. Pivotal concepts in Weil’s philosophy – gravity, decreation and grace – are discussed, and the educational implications of her ideas are explored. The significance of Weil’s thought for educationists lies in the unique emphasis she places on the development of attention, a notion elaborated here via the key themes of truth, beauty and love.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Of these domains, philosophy (Cameron, Citation2003; Desmond, Citation2005; Finch, Citation2001; Murdoch, Citation2001; Pirruccello, Citation1995; Rozelle-Stone, Citation2009) and theology (Hamilton, Citation2005; Hermida, Citation2006; Rozelle-Stone and Stone, Citation2013; Springstead, Citation2004; Tracy, Citation2004; Willox, Citation2008; Wood, Citation2007) are particularly well represented. Political and social questions are also addressed in a substantial number of studies (e.g., Blum and Seidler, Citation2009; Burns, Citation1993; Meltzer, Citation2001; Rosen, Citation1979). Weil’s reading of the Iliad as a poem of force has been seen as an important contribution to classical studies (Bruce, Citation2006; Dué, Citation2007). Literary themes are taken up in Skrimshire (Citation2006) and Vander Weele (Citation2000). An application of Weil’s ideas to economics can be found in Heifetz and Minelli (Citation2008). On Weil’s relevance for science and mathematics, see Morgan (Citation2005).
2 This body of work has grown significantly since the start of the 21st century (see, for example, Caranfa, Citation2010; Catton, Citation2019; Eppert, Citation2004; Lewin, Citation2014; Liston, Citation2000, Citation2008; Mackenzie, Citation2008; Noddings, Citation2002; O’Donnell, Citation2015; Roberts, Citation2011, Citation2013, Citation2021, Citation2022; Rytzler, Citation2019; Tubbs, Citation2005; Yoda, Citation2017).
3 Weil continued to suffer periods of despair throughout her life. On her ‘dark night of the soul’, see Kovitz (Citation1992).
5 These key concepts are discussed in greater detail in Roberts (Citation2011).
8 In a neoliberal world, attention can itself become just another commodity to be packaged and sold to eager consumers. For a helpful discussion of the dangers of attention becoming ‘economised’, see Reveley (Citation2015).
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