Edith Stein's Finite and Eternal Being: A Companion

Edith Stein's Finite and Eternal Being: A Companion provides a guide to her magnum opus, drawing from phenomenological and scholastic insights and placing it in historical and contemporary contexts. Sarah Borden Sharkey offers clear summaries of each section of Steins opus, drawing from the latest scholarship on her manuscript.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Edith Stein (1891–1942) is a renowned philosopher who has left a lasting impact on the field of philosophy. Her magnum opus, Finite and Eternal Being, is a comprehensive exploration of the meaning of being that draws from her extensive work with early phenomenologists and her deep study of medieval texts. The book presents a grand vision that integrates phenomenological and scholastic insights into a cohesive whole. However, the scope of Stein's project can be daunting, and the text can be challenging to navigate. In this book, Sarah Borden Sharkey provides a guide to Stein's great final philosophical work and intellectual vision. The opening essays provide an overview of Stein's method and argument, placing Finite and Eternal Being within its historical context and in relation to contemporary discussions. The author also offers clear, detailed summaries of each section of Stein's opus, drawing from the latest scholarship on Stein's manuscript. Stein's Finite and Eternal Being: A Companion offers a unique guide, opening up Stein's grand cathedral-like vision of the meaning of being as the unfolding of meaning.

Stein's approach to the meaning of being is rooted in phenomenology, which emphasizes the importance of experiencing the world directly and subjectively. She argues that the meaning of being is not a static, abstract concept, but rather a dynamic, evolving process that unfolds in the midst of our everyday experiences. Stein's work draws on the insights of early phenomenologists such as Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, as well as contemporary philosophers such as Jean-Luc Marion and Emmanuel Levinas.

One of the key themes in Stein's Finite and Eternal Being is the concept of finitude. Stein argues that human beings are finite creatures who are limited in their knowledge, power, and ability to act. This finitude is a source of both suffering and joy, as it forces us to confront the limitations of our existence and to seek meaning in the midst of our struggles. Stein explores the various ways in which human beings can respond to their finitude, including through art, religion, philosophy, and love.

Another important theme in Stein's work is the concept of eternal being. Stein argues that human beings are not merely finite creatures, but also eternal beings who have a transcendent nature. This transcendent nature is revealed through our experiences of beauty, truth, and goodness. Stein explores the various ways in which human beings can connect with their transcendent nature, including through meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

Stein's approach to the meaning of being is both philosophical and theological. She argues that the meaning of being is not just a matter of individual experience, but also a matter of communal and social experience. She believes that the meaning of being is revealed through the relationships that we form with others and with the world around us. Stein's work emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and love as essential components of a meaningful life.

One of the strengths of Stein's Finite and Eternal Being is its ability to bridge the gap between phenomenology and theology. Stein's work demonstrates that the meaning of being is not just a matter of subjective experience, but also a matter of objective reality. Stein's approach to the meaning of being is both rigorous and accessible, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

However, Stein's work has also been criticized for its lack of attention to certain aspects of the meaning of being. Some critics argue that Stein's focus on the individual experience of finitude and eternal being neglects the social and political dimensions of the meaning of being. Stein's work also has been criticized for its tendency to be overly abstract and theoretical.

Despite these criticisms, Stein's Finite and Eternal Being remains a significant and influential work in the field of philosophy. Stein's vision of the meaning of being as the unfolding of meaning has inspired countless individuals and has had a lasting impact on the way that we think about the world. Stein's work continues to be studied and debated by philosophers and scholars around the world.

In conclusion, Edith Stein's Finite and Eternal Being is a comprehensive exploration of the meaning of being that draws from her extensive work with early phenomenologists and her deep study of medieval texts. Stein's approach to the meaning of being is rooted in phenomenology, which emphasizes the importance of experiencing the world directly and subjectively. Stein's work explores the various ways in which human beings can respond to their finitude and eternal being, including through art, religion, philosophy, and love. Stein's work is both philosophical and theological, bridging the gap between phenomenology and theology. While Stein's work has been criticized for its lack of attention to certain aspects of the meaning of being, it remains a significant and influential work in the field of philosophy. Stein's vision of the meaning of being as the unfolding of meaning has inspired countless individuals and has had a lasting impact on the way that we think about the world.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666909678