Countermimesis and Simone Weil’s Christian Platonism

Publication Type

Book Chapter

Year of Publication

2004

Author

O'Regan, Cyril

Editor

Doering, E. Jane Springsted, Eric O.

Book

The Christian Platonism of Simone Weil

Pages

181-207

Publisher

University of Notre Dame Press

Place Published

Notre Dame, Indiana

Language

English

Chapter

10

Keywords

Christianity
evil
Plato
Girard, René
violence

Annotation

Weil’s understanding of violence and its connection to evil are discussed in relation to her understanding of Plato. O’Regan begins by looking at her view of violence, focusing on her work on the Iliad and more briefly on Greek tragedy in general. He then moves on to consider her reading of Plato and the Greek philosophical tradition, noting how they shaped her views. Finally, he turns to reflect on Plato’s thought in relation to Christian teachings on violence and evil, briefly comparing Weil’s views to those of René Girard.