Tag: Philosophy

Amos Funkenstein was a heretic within the Jewish tradition who spent his life trying to understand the existence of God, even though he doubted it.
Professor Daniel Statman, head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Haifa and a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, is interviewed about his new book on the role of religion in democratic regimes.
"The Beginning of Politics" by Leon R. Kass is a book that approaches the biblical book of Exodus as an integrated whole, challenging the prevalent view of it being a collection of fragments.
In this discussion, David explores the power of comedy and humor in revealing a mystical sense of unity that helps us find meaning and build communities even in ordinary experiences.
This eulogy reflects on the life and impact of Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, as remembered by his granddaughter.
In this episode of the 18Forty podcast, David speaks with Philo Judaeus, a former Orthodox Jewish member and moderator of a Facebook group called Frum/OTD Dialogue.
In this episode of the 18Forty podcast, David interviews Philo Judaeus, a former member of the Orthodox Jewish community and moderator of the Frum/OTD Dialogue Facebook group.
Lou Schizas believes that life boils down to the choices we make, emphasizing personal responsibility and a capitalist outlook on facing life's challenges alone.
Paul Mendes-Flohr's biography of Martin Buber, the first in English in over 30 years, delves into the philosopher's life and thought, contextualizing his writings within early 20th-century European and German Jewish intellectual spheres.
Avishai Margalit, a prominent philosopher, delves into the themes of betrayal in his book "On Betrayal," examining the nuances between adultery, treason, apostasy, and other forms of trust breaches.
Avishai Margalit, a prominent philosopher, delves into the intricacies of betrayal in his book "On Betrayal," examining the connections and distinctions among actions like adultery, treason, and apostasy as breaches of trust.
In "The Sounds of Silence," John Gray, a retired philosophy professor, critiques atheist thinking for resembling monotheism in seeking an intelligible order in a potentially chaotic world.
Horace Kallen, a prolific writer known primarily for his concept of cultural pluralism, is the focus of Matthew Kaufman's book "Horace Kallen Confronts America: Jewish Identity, Science, and Secularism."
The article discusses the practical principles of Stoicism and their relation to Maimonides' exploration of providence and theodicy in the Guide for the Perplexed.
Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch, a modern and highly knowledgeable scholar, has produced an extensive 23-volume commentary called Yad Peshutah on Moses Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, focusing on elucidating the straightforward meaning of the text and emphasizing Maimonides' philosophical consistency.
In the play "Last Exit Before Brexit," philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy passionately argues against Brexit, seeing it as damaging for both Britain and Europe.
In a thought-provoking exploration, the essay discusses a theoretical dialogue between Rabbi Nahman of Breslov and Franz Kafka about the symbolic significance of the dreidel in Jewish tradition and philosophy.
Professor Steven Nadler from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the graphic book "Heretics! The Wonderous (and Dangerous) Beginnings of Modern Philosophy," co-authored with his son, highlighting the significance of the 17th century in Western philosophy.
Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl reflects on his journey within Modern Orthodoxy, initially inspired by Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, but ultimately seeking more certainty in his faith.
The text discusses the nature of jokes, particularly in Jewish culture, contrasting the serenity advocated by Epicurus with the prevalent irony, skepticism, and criticism found in Jewish thought.
Professor Gabriel Motzkin, a philosopher and outgoing director of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, delves into the intersection of religion and scientific progress, a topic of his expertise.
Rabbi J. David Bleich, a prominent scholar known for his work in philosophical halachah, is praised for defining and upholding high standards in the field of English halachic writing.
In this text, the author discusses the debate between philosophers Crescas and Rambam from the Middle Ages regarding whether God can command belief in His existence.
Sam Fleischacker, a philosophy professor, explores the relevance of sacred texts for modern, rational individuals in his book "The Good and the Good Book."
Professor Steven Gimbel discusses Albert Einstein's rise to fame as a celebrated scientist, focusing on his Jewish background and the factors that contributed to his iconic status.