Introduction: The Wide-Ranging Impact of Edith Stein’s Thought—New Approaches, Applications, and Insights

Abstract

The Boston Studies in Philosophy, Religion and Public Life series brings together, in an interdisciplinary fashion, matters of intellectual and academic concern with the public sphere. The life and writings of Edith Stein (1891–1942), a simultaneously controversial and revered figure, can be said in many ways to cross both the disciplines of philosophy and religion while occupying an important place in public life. The author highlights from international and interdisciplinary perspectives scholars’ contributions to Stein studies. New applications and approaches to her thought are discussed, especially with regard to questions pertaining to metaphysics, feminism, public history, theatre, literature, autism, political philosophy, social theory, embodiment, psychology, science, religion, and eating disorders.