Simon Critchley

Simon Critchley is a prominent Professor of Philosophy at The European Graduate School / EGS and the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at The New School for Social Research. Born in Hertfordshire in 1960, he holds a BA from the University of Essex (1985), an MA from the University of Nice (1987), and a PhD from the University of Essex (1988), focusing on the ethics of deconstruction in Levinas and Derrida. His academic career includes roles at the University of Essex, The New School, and visiting professorships at institutions like the University of Oslo and Tilburg University. Critchley’s research spans continental philosophy, phenomenology, ethics, and political theory, with a focus on thinkers like Levinas, Derrida, and Heidegger. He is known for exploring themes of mortality, humor, tragedy, and political disappointment, as seen in works like The Book of Dead Philosophers and Infinitely Demanding.

His interdisciplinary approach extends to collaborations with artists and institutions like the International Necronautical Society (INS), where he serves as Chief Philosopher. The INS produces avant-garde cultural projects and proclamations, reflecting Critchley’s engagement with art and philosophy. His writings blend academic rigor with pop culture analysis, including studies on David Bowie and Wallace Stevens. Critchley’s contributions include over 28 books and numerous articles, covering topics from philosophy of religion to contemporary political theory. He also moderates The Stone column in The New York Times, inviting philosophers to discuss pressing issues.

Key themes in his work include the relationship between ethics and politics, the acceptance of human limitation as freedom, and the role of anarchism in resisting authoritarianism. His research and writings emphasize interdisciplinary dialogue, humor as philosophical critique, and the intersection of philosophy with literature and art.