Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to explicate the political thought of Simone Weil and to show that it forms a part of a consistent philosophic system which also provides perspectives on metaphysics, science, art, and their relations. This system is grounded in its definition of the realm of the supersensible which is absolutely discontinuous with the phenomenal world but is the cause of its existence, unity, and purpose. A human being is a part of both realms and has the ability to choose to devote himself to the Good and be a free agent or surrender himself to the necessary and be a manipulated object. Thus, a human being is subject to work, sin, and affliction but can attain psychic balance and joy through grace. ;The contradictory and wretched character of the human condition appears in the political context as the necessity of coordination of economic activities which leads to the oppression and degradation of individuals by centralized powers. Weil argues that a political organization can provide human beings with the necessities of physical and spiritual health only when it is constituted very largely by the thoughts of individuals cooperatively executing necessary functions. In this context, I show the continuity of Weil's thought by explicating her views concerning industrial method, political and economic reform, the misuse of science for political ends, and the censorship of literature