Richard H. Bell analyzes the social and political thought of Simone Weil, paying particular attention to Weil's concept of justice as compassion. Bell describes the ways in which Weil's concept of justice stands in contrast with liberal 'rights-based' views of justice, and focuses upon central aspects of Weil's thought, including 'attention,' human suffering and 'affliction,' and the importance of 'a spiritual way of life' in reshaping the individual's role in civic life. Simone Weil: The Way of Justice as Compassion is a valuable addition to the scholarship on this important thinker and a necessary book for students and scholars of political theory and philosophical moral thought.

"Bell [recognizes] the marginal position and the challenge that Weil's unique mode of thinking presents to contemporary social discourse." - American Political Science Review

"Bell offers a clear, crisp version of justice that emphasizes how justice depends more on compassion than on observing rules and procedures." - Journal of Religion, April-June 2000

"...exceptionally good addition to the growing scholarship concerned with the life and contribution of French philosopher-activist Simone Weil." - Journal of the American Academy of Religion

"A fine and sensitive contribution to the growing literature on Simone Weil's moral and political thought. It is also a distinctive and helpful one. . . . Interesting and relevant. . . . Highly readable." - CHOICE, Feb. 99