Thesis by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Current theories of distributive justice generally profess metaphysical neutrality. Both libertar... more Current theories of distributive justice generally profess metaphysical neutrality. Both libertarians and egalitarians argue their cases without recourse to metaphysical support, and go to lengths to formulate theories free of such assumptions. John Rawls' theory of public reason provides an explicit defense of this approach, but it is almost unanimously followed implicitly. I argue that, nevertheless, all theories of social justice necessarily involve a central metaphysical assumption concerning the rationality of existence. Every theory is built upon a conception of existence as involving a rational pattern or a particular type of arbitrariness from the point of view of human ethics, even if such patterning is not considered to be intentional. These assumptions decide both the focus of the ethical program, and its nature. Two questions that are always relevant are: Does the theory aim to right the wrongs of nature, or of humanity?
Articles by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Distributive justice assumes a morally critical judgment of nature, which typically contradicts p... more Distributive justice assumes a morally critical judgment of nature, which typically contradicts providential conceptions. Hence, simple conceptions of divine Providence cannot support distributive justice. This essay analyzes and develops a complex strand of theorizing about Providence within Jewish philosophy that is compatible with distributive justice. According to this conception, the actions of divine Providence express different and mutually exclusive considerations of justice. Therefore, the moral value of outcomes is intransitive between the situations of different people. And while each providential action is justified from an ethical perspective, the total outcome is distinct from God's ultimate desire. Human ethics responds to this disparity by redistribution. This conception of Providence also contributes to the additional issue of inter-generational justice through the concomitant idea of life missions. The classical rendering of missions creates problems, however, for distributive justice. I conclude by formulating a conception of life missions that is compatible with both distributive and intergenerational justice.
John Rawls, father of contemporary distributive justice, professed the metaphysical neutrality of... more John Rawls, father of contemporary distributive justice, professed the metaphysical neutrality of his theory, and formulated an additional theory to support such neutrality generally. This article exposes Rawls's own theological underpinnings concerning his conception of the moral arbitrariness of existence, and his structural dichotomous approach for engaging it. I show how both of his theories are reminiscent of Calvin, employing methods of bifurcation, and thus generating tensions within both the concept of justice and moral personality. I end with analysis of the relationship of this structural rationality to arbitrariness. This exposure of Rawls's theological debt is part of a wider argument concerning the theological basis of distributive justice theory, and the relevance of Theology for philosophical ethics.
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Book Chapters by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Explanation of human evil is a central focus of angelology. This chapter explores two diametrical... more Explanation of human evil is a central focus of angelology. This chapter explores two diametrically opposed conceptions of angels and analyzes their ramifications for such explanations. I showcase a comparison of the idea of fallen angels in two early modern theological systems: that which is depicted in Milton's Paradise Lost, and that which is associated with the Jewish mystic Rabbi Moshe Hayyim Luzzatto. Milton and Luzzatto are heirs to diverse, although parallel, theological traditions, and their angelology is based on opposing principles. This particular comparison is enlightening because both thinkers push their conceptions of angels to radical extremes. I shall argue that Milton's use of angelology falls into a homunculus fallacy, whereas Luzzatto defines the angels' function in logically independent terms. Luzzatto positions angels in a subtle median position from which they are able to provide an explanation of human evil in epistemological terms and clarify existential tensions of the human condition.
Rabbinic publications by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Sefer HaYovel of Yeshivat Har Etzion, 2019
Study vs action, compared to egalitarian values vs obligation to community - analyzed within a ha... more Study vs action, compared to egalitarian values vs obligation to community - analyzed within a halachic framework.
Encyclopedia Entries by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Papers by Shlomo Dov Rosen
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Thesis by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Articles by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Book Chapters by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Rabbinic publications by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Encyclopedia Entries by Shlomo Dov Rosen
Papers by Shlomo Dov Rosen