Horace Kallen Confronts America: Jewish Identity, Science, and Secularism

Horace Kallen was an American Jewish philosopher who integrated science into his pragmatic philosophy of life, hoping it would lead to full and equal integration for Jews. Kaufman explores Kallen's life and how American scientific culture inspired him and an entire generation. Kallen shaped discussions on race, ethnicity, modernism, and secularism, influencing the American Jewish community. He was also a serious religious thinker whose Jewish identity exemplified the modern responsiveness to the moral ideal of authenticity. Kallen's quest for authenticity contributed to a shift in Jewish self-perception in America and led to America's embrace of cultural pluralism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2019
Publisher: Syracuse University Press

Horace Kallen, an American Jewish philosopher, embarked on a remarkable writing journey spanning over fifty years. Throughout his career, he infused his pragmatic philosophy of life with a profound emphasis on science, holding steadfast hope that it would pave the way toward full and equal integration for Jews. In this intellectual biography, Kaufman delves into the life and thought of Kallen, shedding light on how American scientific culture shaped not only his ideas but also the minds of an entire generation.

Kaufman unveils the profound influence that Kallen had on the discussions surrounding race, ethnicity, modernism, and secularism, which resonated throughout the American Jewish community. A staunch secularist, Kallen was also a deeply religious thinker whose Jewish identity, distinct and unconventional, exemplified the modern quest for authenticity. Through his exploration, Kaufman demonstrates how Kallen's pursuit of authenticity played a pivotal role in shaping a gradual shift in Jewish self-perception in America. This, in turn, led to America's embrace of Kallen's renowned concept of cultural pluralism.

Kallen's writing career spanned various genres, including philosophy, sociology, and political science. He authored numerous books and essays that explored the intersection of science, religion, and society. His seminal work, "The Modern Mind," published in 1927, profoundly impacted the field of psychology and helped establish the study of human behavior as a scientific discipline.

In addition to his intellectual contributions, Kallen was actively involved in Jewish communal life. He served as the president of the American Jewish Committee and played a key role in advocating for Jewish causes and promoting interfaith dialogue. His commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of education to bridge cultural divides made him a respected figure in the American Jewish community and beyond.

Horace Kallen's legacy continues to inspire and influence thinkers today. His commitment to integrating science and religion, his advocacy for social justice, and his vision of cultural pluralism remain relevant in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Through his writings and his example, Kallen reminds us of the importance of seeking truth, embracing diversity, and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 153 x 231 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815636410