Being and empathy: the philosophy of Edith Stein
Course Code: HP032
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
Edith Stein was one of the first phenomenological philosophers to examine empathy and intersubjectivity. She
also attempted to reconcile her Catholic faith with the philosophy of Edmund Husserl, her teacher. Stein’s
synthesis of the philosophies of Thomas Aquinas and Husserl provides a unique understanding of our being in
the world – and the possibilities of faith – that deserves greater recognition. We aim to make Stein’s thought
more familiar by examining her contribution to a philosophical-phenomenological understanding of faith and
religion.
What will we cover?
• Stein’s account of empathy
• Catholic (Thomist) and Phenomenological philosophies
• Faith & Empathy as modes of being in the world.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Discuss the relation between faith and empathy using simple examples from ordinary, everyday activities.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course does not assume any prior knowledge, only an interest in the key topics. Some experience of
introductory philosophy would be beneficial. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will run in seminar format with short presentations including group discussion and Q&A. There may
be some readings discussed in pairs or small groups in the sessions. Slides and relevant links will be available
online. No work outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Notemaking equipment of your own choice. Handouts from relevant portions of texts will be provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in HP106 Being and beauty: the philosophy of Japanese aesthetics, HP194 Nietzche and the psyche and HP195 Wittgenstein and the psyche, all taught by the same tutor.
Visit www.citylit.ac.uk for the full range of philosophy courses on offer.
From reading Philosophy at a young age to the formal study of Cognitive Science, Philosophy & Psychology at the Universities of London and Sussex - after a prior career in video-arts - John Goff has been presenting philosophy courses to adults since the early 2000s. He uses a cross-disciplinary, seminar-based approach in his courses, drawing on Philosophy, Psychology and the wider Humanities & Social Sciences with an emphasis on the intersection of contemporary and classical European and Asian philosophical thought. He is the author of several works of philosophical fiction concerning artificial minds and organisms and alternative-human worlds including the novel 'The Last Days of the Most Hidden Man' and the novellas 'Eidopolis', 'Agents of Erasure', 'Jupiter|Saturn' and 'Sleep|Nothing|Asylum'. His academic writings can be found on his academia.edu page at 'https://independentscholar.academia.edu/JohnGoff'.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
