The role of Judaism in Samuel Hirsch's "understanding of the state"

Seminar Paper , 2011 , 4 Pages , Grade: 2,0

Politics - Political systems in general and in comparison

A brief overview of 19th century philosopher's Samuel Hirsch views on what role Judaism should play in the organisation and governance of modern secular states.

Table of Contents

• The role of Judaism in Samuel Hirsch's understanding of the state
• The Role of Judaism in State Service
• Opposition to Jewish Integration
• Jewish Adaptation for State Service
• The Place of Judaism in the State
• The Principle of Freedom
• Psychological Freedom
• Historical Freedom
• Freedom of the State
• Jewish Responsibility of Freedom
• Christian Responsibility of Freedom

Objectives and Key Themes

This text explores the complex relationship between Judaism and the state through the lens of Samuel Hirsch's philosophical and theological perspective. Hirsch's main objective was to reconcile Jewish religious practice with the demands of state service and advocate for Jewish emancipation within a Christian society.

• The role of Judaism in state service and the integration of Jews into a Christian state
• Hirsch's critique of arguments against Jewish participation in state governance
• The concept of "freedom" as a central principle for both individual and state development
• The importance of Jewish emancipation and the need for reconciliation between Judaism and Christianity
• The potential tensions and obstacles to Jewish integration into a Christian state

Chapter Summaries

• The Role of Judaism in State Service: This chapter examines Hirsch's arguments for the compatibility of Judaism and state service. Hirsch emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duty to both God and the state through acts of service and contribution to the common good. He rejects the idea of a social contract between the king and his subjects, particularly on a religious basis, believing religion should remain a personal matter. He draws inspiration from Hegel's concept of the state as a religious entity and argues that Jews can serve the state while adhering to their religious beliefs, thereby enriching state institutions with their values and dedication.
• Opposition to Jewish Integration: This section analyzes the critiques of Jewish integration into the state, drawing on the writings of Feuerbach and Bruno Bauer. They argue that Jews, due to their inherent religious beliefs and practices, are unfit for state service, lacking the necessary qualities for leadership and social integration. These critiques stem from the perception of Jews as inherently different, with a lack of historical consciousness and an inability to reconcile faith and reason.
• Jewish Adaptation for State Service: This chapter explores Hirsch's counter-arguments to the criticisms of Jewish integration. He highlights the historical contributions of Jews and emphasizes the importance of seeing nature, including the individual, as the creation of God. This view promotes a moral obligation to serve and contribute to society. Hirsch also critiques Jewish resistance to assimilation, encouraging a more modern interpretation of Jewish teachings rather than clinging strictly to tradition.
• The Place of Judaism in the State: This section examines Hirsch's understanding of Judaism's role in shaping the state. He argues that Jewish history played a significant role in the development of the state, and that Christianity ultimately legitimated the principle of state rule. Hirsch sees Judaism as a positive synthesis of Islam's worldliness and Christianity's otherworldliness, and he acknowledges the progressive nature of the modern Christian state.
• The Principle of Freedom: This chapter delves into Hirsch's concept of "freedom" as a driving force behind Jewish emancipation. He explores three levels of freedom: psychological freedom, historical freedom, and freedom of the state. Hirsch argues that Jewish emancipation is contingent on Jews embracing the state's role as an instrument of freedom and demonstrating their commitment to this purpose. This section also examines the Christian responsibility for Jewish emancipation, highlighting the influence of the Catholic Church and thinkers like Bruno Bauer in perpetuating prejudice and delaying Jewish emancipation.

Keywords

This text focuses on the historical and philosophical relationship between Judaism and the state. It examines Samuel Hirsch's arguments for Jewish integration into Christian society, including his concept of "freedom," the importance of Jewish emancipation, and his critical analysis of historical arguments against Jewish participation in state governance. It also explores the role of Hegel's philosophy, the influence of Christian thought, and the complex interplay of religion, politics, and identity in the 19th century.

• College: University of Luxembourg
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Joe Majerus (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 4
• Catalog Number: V201294
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656280071
• Language: English
• Tags: Samuel Hirsch, Judaism, Zionism, State, Religion