Weaving the World: Simone Weil on Science, Mathematics, and Love

by Vance G. Morgan

Overview

Weaving the World uses Simone Weil’s philosophy of science and mathematics as an introduction to the thought of one of the most powerful philosophical and theological minds of the twentieth century. Weil held that, for the ancient Greeks, the ultimate purpose of science and mathematics was the knowledge and love of the divine. Her creative assimilation of this vision led her to a conception of science and mathematics that connects the human person with not only the physical world but also the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of human existence.

Vance G. Morgan investigates Weil’s earliest texts on science, in which she lays the foundation for a conception of science rooted in basic human concerns and activities. He then tracks Weil’s analysis of the development of science, particularly of the mathematics and science of the ancient Greeks. He especially explores Weil's interpretation of the Pythagoreans and their mathematical discoveries, giving special attention to the mathematical foundations of musical harmonies. Morgan pays particular attention to Weil’s analysis of Greek geometry, which she believed reveals the importance of mediation between incommensurates in both geometry and the larger scope of human existence.

Morgan’s study not only challenges the metaphysical and spiritual poverty of contemporary scientific paradigms, but also sketches an outline of an alternative metaphysical foundation for mathematics and science that, according to Weil, opens the door to a reinvigorated dialogue between science, philosophy, art, and religion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780268034870
Publisher:	University of Notre Dame Press
Publication date:	09/20/2005
Edition description:	1
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Vance G. Morgan is professor of philosophy at Providence College.

Editorial Reviews

"For its rigor, as well as for its faithful reading of Simone Weil's work, this book merits special attention. Starting with a well-defined aspect of Weil's thought, the author shows the unity of this thought, unified through its relationship, from one end to the other, with the Good." —Cahiers Simone Weil

"Weaving the World is a detailed account of the philosophy of science and knowledge of Simone Weil. It is a very useful contribution to our understanding of one of the deepest and most incandescent thinkers of the twentieth century." —Martin Andic, University of Massachusetts, Boston

"Weaving the World is a well-written and lucid overview of Simone Weil's writings on science and mathematics. This book will be of great benefit for anyone who wishes to pursue Weil's thought in depth." —Eric O. Springsted, President of the American Weil Society

From the Publisher