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tradition-cabinetby R. Yitzchak Blau

Professor George Schlesinger studied in Yeshivas Chevron, was a yeshiva high school rebbe in Kfar Haroeh, and then taught philosophy for many years in the University of North Carolina (see the obituary Dr. David Shatz wrote about Prof. Schlesinger here: link). In the following article, Prof. Schlesinger confronts the problem of contemporary skepticism.

Many moderns are bothered by the realization that we cannot clearly prove our fundamental religious beliefs. He points out that there are many things we accept as true without the ability to prove them. We cannot definitively establish that other people have thoughts, feelings and emotions nor can we prove that the natural order will continue to function as it has until now (Hume’s problem of induction). Yet we do not doubt these beliefs. In the same way, it is possible to arrive at religious belief without a decisive logical proof. Those interested in reading more analysis along these lines may consult Alvin Plantinga’s God and Other Minds. Here is the link to Prof. Schlesinger’s Tradition article.
link (PDF)

About Yitzchak Blau

Rabbi Yitzchak Blau is Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshivat Orayta and also teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum. He is the author of Fresh Fruit and Vintage Wine: The Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada and an Associate Editor of Tradition.

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