Traditionalism and the Critique of Modernity: Guénon and Beyond

This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of Traditionalist thought, tracing its evolution from the work of René Guénon (1886-1951) to contemporary expressions. It elucidates the foundational principles of the philosophy and outlines its main projects.

Participants will be introduced to Guénon’s life journey including the various intellectual and spiritual streams that have shaped his worldview. The course examines his critique of modernity and his advocacy for the restoration of sacred order. Particular emphasis is placed on Guénon’s call for prioritising the spiritual over the material and his insistence on preserving the light of eternal truth in increasingly dark times. The sessions further explore the influence of his ideas on subsequent thinkers, investigating the intersections of Traditionalism with religion, politics, the arts and nature.

The primary course text is Guènon, R. (1927) The Crisis of the Modern World. Supplementary readings will include scholarly work in both Arabic and English. The course is designed for complete beginners and assumes no prior background in the history of ideas, philosophy, or religious studies.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles underlying ‘the Tradition’

  • Analyse Guénon’s critique of modernity as the opposite of sacred order

  • Critically assess Guénon’s characterisation of Western civilisation as fundamentally materialist

  • Evaluate the relevance of Guénon’s ideas to one’s own context

  • Explore the implications of Traditionalist perspectives in domains such as religion, politics, art, and the natural world

  • Acquire the vocabulary necessary to engage with key scholarly debates surrounding Guénon’s work and Traditionalism generally

Day & Time

Tuesdays | 8:30 – 10:00pm (UK time) | Inaugural Class: Tuesday 1st July 2025

Format & Frequency

Online only | Live on Zoom | Monthly

Registration

Free admission | Registration required

Lecturer

Dr Mariam Attia