Martin Buber I and Thou

Martin Buber

A Jewish philosopher known for his work on the nature of human relationships, particularly in 'I and Thou'.

I-Thou relationship

A mode of interaction where individuals relate to each other as subjects, acknowledging each other’s uniqueness.

I-It relationship

A mode of interaction where individuals treat each other as objects, categorizing rather than recognizing their subjectivity.

Existence precedes essence

A philosophical concept famously associated with Sartre, suggesting that a person's existence is prior to any predefined purpose or essence.

Relation precedes essence

Buber's idea that relationships are fundamental to understanding existence and consciousness, rather than the self being defined before relationships.

Hebrew University

The institution in Jerusalem where Martin Buber taught after leaving Germany.

Zionism

A movement for the re-establishment of a Jewish national homeland in Palestine, which Buber was initially a part of but later criticized.

Al-Nakbah

An Arabic term meaning 'catastrophe', used to refer to the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of the state of Israel.

Phenomenology of Perception

A philosophical work by Merleau-Ponty emphasizing the role of perception in understanding human beings and their relationships.

Mutuality

The quality or state of being shared by two or more parties, often mentioned in relation to the I-Thou relationship.

Intrinsic otherness

The concept of recognizing and respecting the individuality and uniqueness of the Other in a relational context.

Being-with (Mitsein)

Heidegger’s term for the existence of individuals in relation to others, emphasizing interaction and intersubjectivity.

Collective existence

The notion that individuals are defined not just by their singularity but also through their relationships with others.

Relational ontology

The philosophical perspective that being is fundamentally about relationships rather than individual existence.

Heppinheim

The town in Germany where Martin Buber lived from 1916 to 1938.

Judeo-Christian tradition

A term reflecting the shared heritage of Judaism and Christianity, often referenced in discussions of moral and ethical teachings.

Between Man and Man

A collection of Buber’s writings that elaborate on his ideas about relationships and existence.