“Is“ and “ought” reconciled: The contribution of Stein’s essentialism and existentialism to postmodern ethics

Mariéle Wulf

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    The “is-ought”—conclusion is—according to David Hume—forbidden. But the is-ought-question rises at each moment when thinking is transferred into action: an “is” is set into being, it is preserved or destroyed. This is where ethics is needed. The good action depends on how one understands the “is”. Thomas of Aquinas considered it as the essence—and so does Edith Stein. In St. Thomas, the “ought” is given by creation; Stein gains it by taking into account the value which she reveals by an existential approach. By revealing the essence, the truth of this thing, and its existential relevance, the value, Stein justifies two major aspects which need to be regained in postmodern ethics.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Ethics and Metaphysics of Edith Stein
    Subtitle of host publication Applications and Implications
    EditorsMichael F. Andrews, Antonio Calcagno
    PublisherSpringer Science
    Pages133-150
    Number of pages18
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2022

    Publication series

    NameWomen in the History of Philosophy and Sciences
    Volume12
    ISSN (Print)2523-8760
    ISSN (Electronic)2523-8779

    Keywords

    • Edith Stein
    • ethics
    • epistemology
    • natural law
    • metaphysics

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