The Department of Jewish Thought
Subject: On the Formation of a Religious Society: The 'Exemplary It' in Martin Buber's Life and Thought.
Supervisor: Prof. Benjamin Pollock.
Abstract: My research explores how an exemplary society should look – politically, socially and culturally – and analyzes the inherent philosophical problems entailed in achieving such a reality. This project is examined through the lens of German-Jewish thinker Martin Buber (1878–1965). Buber's "philosophy of dialogue" is conveyed in theoretical writings on religion, sociology, culture and politics, and is manifest in his involvement with the Zionist movement; his translation and interpretation of Biblical and Hasidic texts; his educational work with Jews in Europe and in Israel; and his correspondences with politicians, intellectuals and activists. Scholarship on Buber's thought until now has reduced his political, social and cultural agenda, since it has neglected the concept of the "It" (Es) in his philosophy of dialogue. My research brings to light new distinctions in the overlooked, yet essential, concept of the "It" in Buber's philosophy, and in turn, demonstrates how his Biblical, Hasidic and Zionist writings, alongside his activity in these realms, reveal his vision for an exemplary society and the methods he advances to achieve it.
Rotenschtreich Scholarship 2023/2024
MA Honors Program 2014/15