Edith Stein’s Example: Putting Empathy into Praxis

Abstract

This article examines how Edith Stein’s philosophical theory of empathy informs not only her scholarly discourse, but also the decision to dedicate her life to others. It first explicates the primary tenets of her theory, situating them within the context of early phenomenology as inspired by Edmund Husserl’s writings. It then chronologically charts those personal events that best display her efforts to put into praxis its principles. From being a volunteer nurse aiding the wounded during World War I to comforting those being sent to the concentration camps during Hitler’s regime, she continually privileges an empathetic awareness to understand those factors affecting the other’s state of mind and instill a sense of dignity that betters his or her person. The interlacing of these experiences underpins her conversion from Judaism to Christianity as well as a deep-seated desire to forge a meaningful connection with others. A concerted attentiveness to another’s beliefs and needs, whether they are intellectual, emotional, or spiritual, depicts the kind of affection that she exemplified on a daily basis.

Keywords: Edith Stein, Phenomenology, Empathy, Holocaust

DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/50-05

Publication date: September 30th 2020