What Was the Philosopher Whom Edith Sought Out in Order to Study Phenomenology?

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Martha Robinson

Edith Stein, a German philosopher, was deeply interested in the study of phenomenology. She sought out Edmund Husserl, the founder of phenomenology, to further her knowledge in this field.

Who was Edmund Husserl?

Edmund Husserl was a German philosopher who is widely regarded as the father of phenomenology. He was born in Prossnitz, Moravia (now Prostejov, Czech Republic) on April 8th, 1859. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Vienna and later became a professor of philosophy at the University of Freiburg.

What is Phenomenology?

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that focuses on the study of human experience and consciousness. It aims to describe and understand phenomena (things that appear or present themselves to us) from the perspective of those who experience them.

Phenomenology seeks to uncover the structures and processes that underlie our experiences. It emphasizes the importance of subjective experience and rejects any attempts to reduce experience to objective facts.

Edith Stein’s Interest in Phenomenology

Edith Stein was born in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland) on October 12th, 1891. She studied philosophy at the University of Gottingen and later became a pupil of Edmund Husserl at the University of Freiburg.

Stein was deeply interested in phenomenology and its potential applications to psychology and education. She wrote extensively on these topics and developed her own approach to phenomenology known as “eidetic intuition.”

Seeking Out Husserl

In 1913, Stein wrote her doctoral thesis under Husserl’s supervision. Her thesis explored the nature of empathy (the ability to understand another person’s feelings or experiences) from a phenomenological perspective.

After completing her thesis, Stein continued to work with Husserl and became one of his closest collaborators. She helped him edit his works and translate them into other languages.

The Impact of Husserl on Stein’s Work

Husserl’s influence on Stein’s work was profound. His emphasis on the importance of subjective experience and his rejection of any attempts to reduce experience to objective facts resonated deeply with Stein.

Stein’s approach to phenomenology, known as “eidetic intuition,” was heavily influenced by Husserl’s work. She believed that by using our imagination, we can gain insight into the underlying structures and processes that shape our experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Edith Stein’s interest in phenomenology led her to seek out Edmund Husserl, the founder of this philosophical approach. Husserl’s ideas had a profound impact on Stein’s work, shaping her own approach to phenomenology and influencing her views on empathy, psychology, and education. Today, both Stein and Husserl are remembered as two of the most important figures in the history of phenomenology.