#156 Mysticism: The Heretics Who Got Too Close to God - Simon Critchley

#156 Mysticism: The Heretics Who Got Too Close to God - Simon Critchley

May 26, 2026 · 1h 18m

About this episode

In this episode, Alex J O'Connor interviews philosopher Simon Critchley about mysticism and its implications in philosophy and ethics.

Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code alexoconnor at https://huel.com/alexoconnor (Minimum $50 purchase). For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack: https://www.alexoconnor.com . Simon Critchley is a British philosopher, author and professor at The New School in New York. He is best known for his work on existentialism, mysticism, ethics and continental philosophy, and is the author of books including The Book of Dead Philosophers, Faith of the Faithless and Mysticism. Get Simon's book Mysticism ⁠here⁠ . TIMESTAMPS: (7:52) What is Mysticism? (18:58) Unification With the Divine (29:58) Mysticism and the Self (40:38) Why Are So Many Mystics Women? (48:41) The Limits of Language (59:54) Was Pascal a Mystic? (01:03:21) Where Does Simon Stand on Mysticism? (01:11:22) Where Should We Start With Learning About Mysticism? (01:15:36) Imagery in Simon’s Book CONNECT My Website: ⁠https://www.alexoconnor.com⁠ SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: ⁠http://www.twitter.com/cosmicskeptic⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/cosmicskeptic⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic⁠ TikTok…

People in this episode

Host: Alex J O'Connor

Guest: Simon Critchley

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Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Book of Dead Philosophers, Faith of the Faithless, Mysticism

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