"Lectures on Philosophy" offers a journey through Simone Weil's powerful and diverse philosophical landscape, guided by her unique voice. Engaging with Weil’s thoughts here means delving into profound discussions on perception, reasoning, ethics, and beyond, with accessibility for newcomers and depth for seasoned thinkers. If philosophy's blend of abstract and the concrete intrigues you, Weil's lectures can be eye-opening.

Riley is your virtual thrift companion, and here to help you find your next favourite read. You can also find in-stock similar reads linked by topic and genre here!

Simone Weil's Leçons de Philosophie are derived from a course she taught at the lycée for girls at Roanne in 1933-4. Anne Reynaud-Guérithault was a pupil in the class; her notes are not a verbatim record but are a very full and, as far as one can judge, faithful rendering, often catching the unmistakable tone of Simone Weil's voice as well as the force and the directness of her thought. The lectures form a good general introduction to philosophy, ranging widely over problems about perception, mind, language, reasoning and problems in moral and political philosophy too. Her method of presentation is a characteristic combination of abstract argument, personal experience and literary or historical reference. Peter Winch points out in his introduction to the book some of the more systematic connections in her philosophical work (and between this philosophical work and her other concerns), and makes a number of suggestive comparisons between Simone Weil and Wittgenstein. The translation is by Hugh Price from the Plon edition of 1959. Dr Price has added some notes to explain references in the text that might be unfamiliar to English speaking students beginning philosophy.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.