Attention As Prayer: Simone Weil
Publication Type |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication |
2003 |
Author |
|
Journal |
Literature and Aesthetics: The Journal of the Sydney Society of Literature and Aesthetics |
Volume |
13 |
Number |
2 |
Pages |
19-27 |
Language |
English |
Publish Dates |
December |
Keywords |
attention |
Annotation |
This article presents a relatively nuanced discussion of Weil’s concept of attention, comparing it, in turn, to contemplation and, the author argues, similar or related concepts in a diverse group of thinkers including Lacan, Kant and Augustine. Drawing on Hannah Arendt’s work, the author uses Weil’s concept of attention to offer a critique of the modern artist and intellectual comparing them, in some places, to the totalitarian mentality of fascists in their indifference to or inability to access, the reality of the world. |