The hidden spark of Hasidism in Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue.

摘要

In the first lines of his classic I and Thou, Martin Buber reveals the two attitudes possible in interpersonal relations. Fundamental differences belong to each attitude. An I-It relation to any person or the world lives in the realm of functionality and manipulation. An I-Thou relationship to another person or the world lives in the open potential of the present moment. In such a relationship Buber sees the potential of the eternal becoming present in the temporal. This dissertation focuses on the life and thought of Martin Buber preceding his writing of I and Thou. It traces the development of his ideas through (1) the mystical thought and the Erlebnis-mysticism (experience based mysticism) of his life from his university career, (2) his studies and Hasidic writings in the early 1900s, and (3) his philosophy of dialogue as presented inI and Thou. The study demonstrates the consistent theme of Buber's attempt to find the connection of the transcendent to the mundane through engagement in daily activities. Buber's phrase "hallowing the everyday" can be traced directly to his interpretation of Hasidism, but it equally applies to each of the three stages of his thought: Erlebnis-mysticism, Hasidic teachings, and philosophy of dialogue. In following the common thread of Buber's life through each of these three stages, it can be seen that his philosophy of dialogue depends on a hidden spark of Hasidism for its image of the person and meaning of life.