Toward Understanding Mystical Consciousness: An Analysis of a Text from Simone Weil
Publication Type |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication |
2003 |
Author |
|
Journal |
Religion &Theology |
Volume |
10 |
Number |
2 |
Pages |
149-165 |
Language |
English |
Keywords |
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Annotation |
A textual analysis of Simone Weil’s mystical experience as described in her letter to Father Perrin dated May 15, 1942. Scholarship on mystical consciousness is examined in relationship to Weil’s experience, particularly the debate between neo-perennialists such as Forman and Stace and constructivists like Steven Katz. Using Katz’s work, an in-depth discussion of the role of language in the construction and understanding of mystical experienced is presented. Five functions language serves in relation to mystical experience are delineated, followed by an examination of these functions in Weil’s text. Drawing on the work of John Searle, the differences between ordinary and extraordinary consciousness are presented and then used to reflect on Weil’s experience. |