The Carmelite Spiritual Contribution to the Personalisms of Edith Stein and Karol Wojtyla

This thesis investigates the Carmelite spiritual influence on the personalisms of
Edith Stein and Karol Wojtyła, focusing particularly on the concept of self-giving
within their works. Both Stein and Wojtyła constructed their personalisms through a
synthesis of phenomenology and Thomistic metaphysics, distinguishing from other
personalisms by the definite character of self-giving. The thesis argues that Carmelite
spirituality, particularly the teachings of John of the Cross, predisposes each author to
shape their personalism with this character, seen in the understanding of self-giving and
the union between human beings and God. By examining the philosophical
underpinnings and spiritual influences on both thinkers, the thesis explores the
intersection of philosophy and spirituality in their works, demonstrating how Carmelite
spirituality informs their concepts of the human person, self-giving, and interpersonal
relationships.