Encounter with Social Problems - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

On Martin Buber

Encounter with Social Problems

Mar 9, 1967


Biographer and philosopher of dialogue Maurice Friedman speaks about philosopher Martin Buber’s approach to social interactions and conflicts. This lecture is the final part of a series exploring the work of Martin Buber. Friedman argues that Buber subscribed to situation ethics, the idea that values cannot be predefined, but are formed in interactions between people and the world. Situation ethics defines a “problematic relation between maxim and situation.” Friedman explains that, according to Buber, if you start with a defined principle or ideology, you will be rendered incapable of responding to the moral complexities of real-world situations–you will be ultimately unable to “hear and respond to the present moment.” The lecture is followed with questions from the audience.

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