Détachement et décentrement : l’amour "impersonnel" d’Antigone au coeur de la cité

Abstract

This article compares two interpretations of love in Antigone, that of Martha Nussbaum, on the one hand, and that of Simone Weil, on the other hand. Whereas Nussbaum considers Antigone cold, closed and excessive, Weil observes in Antigone a very rare and demanding form of love. While Nussbaum advocates an emotional and almost romantic view of love, Weil evokes an “impersonal” love, which is not rooted emotionally. This kind of off-centered, detached love has an ecstatic effect: it takes the individual out of himself. Like Antigone who resists power, this love opens up new ethical and political configurations.