An introduction to the philosophy of Simone Weill
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- Start Date: 29 May 2025End Date: 12 Jun 2025Thu (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:45In PersonFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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What is the course about?
We will examine the work of Simone Weil, who was one of the 20th century’s most unique thinkers: a mystic, a political activist, a philosopher and a teacher. Her works range from Ancient Greek thought to contemporary European politics. Her decision to work in a car factory to experience the lives of ordinary workers, her participation in the Spanish Civil War and her death in Ashford, Kent as a form of solidarity with her suffering compatriots combine to form a fascinating and mysterious persona.
What will we cover?
In this course we will examine extracts from Weil’s wide-ranging work in order to achieve a greater sense of her thought as a whole. Weil is a fragmented thinker, but one whose insights and strangeness help explain her ongoing appeal to so many people today.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have a good, basic knowledge of Weil’s key ideas and themes.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is needed, but an open mind and a willingness to enter into some unusual and challenging thought would help!
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, handouts and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You don’t need to bring anything, apart from curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see City Lit's website for details of forthcoming philosophy courses.
Karl White completed a Ph.D on the Romanian-French philosopher EM Cioran at King’s College London, having originally been educated at University College Cork. He has tutored students of all ages at university level in various areas such as Philosophy and Literature, Philosophy and Film, and Classical Civilisation. He has published work on Samuel Beckett and written educational works on Shakespeare. He believes in making philosophy accessible to people of all backgrounds and educational levels and promoting lively and open discussion in the shared journey of learning.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
