Editor’s Introduction

Abstract

We are pleased to publish in this issue of the Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology two articles submitted to the first Wolfe Mays Essay Prize competition – the winning article and a runner-up – alongside an introduction from Jessie Stainer to the theme of the 2021 competition: “engaged phenomenology”. The award is named in memory of Wolfe Mays who was an original member of the British Society for Phenomenology (established in 1967), and the founding editor of the Society’s journal which he began in 1970, and which he continued to edit until his death in 2005. Through his devotion to the Society and its journal, Wolfe made a remarkable contribution to the establishment of and development of phenomenology — and continental philosophy more broadly — in Britain. Without his efforts, phenomenology would not have the vital presence it has in the UK. Above all, Wolfe was concerned with the furtherance of the study of phenomenology and its continued development and enrichment as a way of approaching the deepest and most enduring problems of human existence. The Wolfe Mays Essay Prize is awarded to an outstanding submission on a topic chosen annually by the awarding committee. It is open to PhD students and Early Career Researchers who are members of the BSP. The prize marks not just Wolfe Mays’ contribution to the Society, but also, by recognizing the work of new scholars, reflects Wolf’s indefatigable commitment to the future of phenomenology as a discipline. The winning essay is “Overcoming Hermeneutical Injustice in Mental Health: A Role for Critical Phenomenology” by Rosa Ritunnano, and the runner up “‘Wonder at what is as it is’: Arendtian Wonder as the Occasion for Political Responsibility” by Magnus Ferguson. Both essays provide compelling, though different, articulations of the idea of engaged phenomenology. We are also pleased to take this occasion to announcement the theme of the next iteration of the competition: “collective memory”. We welcome submissions from early career researchers (currently working towards of within 5 years of finishing a PhD) that address this theme from within the scope of the journal. The deadline for submission is March 30th 2023.