An Analysis of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s Utilization of Dialectic

Abstract

Consequently, the Rav’s extension of Man’s perpetual dialectic condition to the meta-dialectic can be understood as representing the Rav’s consistency in his emphasis on perpetuity in regard to Man’s dialectic condition. Its extension exemplifies that while human scholars and philosophers may attempt to harmonize the human condition through an understanding of dialectical thinking, there is ultimately no escape from the perpetuity of dialectical oscillation. Given that the Rav’s perpetual interplay relies on this Man’s perpetual dialectic, the Rav’s meta-dialectic between Kierkegaard and Hegel can be understood as legitimizing the philosophical interplay throughout the Rav’s works. ====== Overall, the Rav maintains his ambiguity in his dialectical utilization in an effort to maintain consistency in its application. As we perpetually oscillate between victory and retreat, we ultimately do not know in which ethic our cycle ends. Nevertheless, while this exhaustive analysis may have ended in defeat, there is always halakha to turn to to cheat. (from Conclusion)