Mysticism and Philosophy (and Possibly Music)

Join the Humanities Institute for a conversation with philosopher Simon Critchley focused on his new book, "Mysticism." In this talk, Critchley approaches mysticism not as a matter of religious belief, but as a lived experience and daily practice grounded in attention, openness and intensity of feeling. Drawing from philosophy, literature and music, Critchley explores how mysticism can deepen everyday life by disrupting habitual ways of thinking and creating a more fluid relationship between thought and existence. He shows how art and listening can function as forms of secular reflection and wonder. Simon Critchley is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research and a Director of the Onassis Foundation. He has written more than twenty books on subjects ranging from Greek tragedy and Shakespeare to football and popular music and he is a coeditor of The Stone at The New York Times. This event was co-sponsored by The Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict’s Spirituality and Public Life Initiative. 00:00 Introduction 4:45 Conversation