Rationalist Judaism

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Defining Rationalism

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Exploring the legacy of the rationalist Rishonim (medieval sages), and various other notes, by Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, director of The Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh. The views are those of the author, not the institution.
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Defining Rationalism

Natan Slifkin
May 18, 2009
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Defining Rationalism

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There is a lot of confusion about the term "rationalism." What is a rationalist? The differences between rationalists and non-rationalists fall into three categories:

• KNOWLEDGE - Considering it as legitimately obtained ourselves via our own reasoning and senses, and considering that it should preferably be based upon evidence/reason rather than faith, especially for far-fetched claims.

• NATURE - Valuing a naturalistic rather than supernatural interpretation of events, and perceiving a consistent natural order over history, past and future.

• THE SERVICE OF GOD - Understanding the role of mitzvos and one’s religious life in general as furthering intellectual/moral goals for the individual and society rather than the mechanistic manipulation of spiritual or celestial forces.

(This primarily refers the medieval rationalists of Sefarad, in contrast to the non-rationalist approach that subsequently emerged.)

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Defining Rationalism

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