53. G-d, Rationality and Mysticism, by Irving Block. ISBN-13: 978-0-87462-751-0 & ISBN-10: 0-87462-751-6. Paper. 214 pages. $25
There are two beliefs that are fairly well entrenched in Western thought. The first is that belief in G-d is purely a matter of faith and cannot be supported by rational arguments. The second is that rationality is incompatible with mysticism.
This book aims to loosen the grip of these two beliefs by showing them to be common misconceptions. The first part of this book argues that it is more rational to believe in G-d than not. The second part argues that instead of rationality being incompatible with mysticism, it ultimately leads to it. In the second part the author draws in particular on the literature of Chabad Hasidic philosophy and the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Special attention is devoted to near-death experiences.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Yitzchok (Irving) Block holds a PhD in Philosophy from Harvard University. Professor Block is professor emeritus at The University of Western Ontario in London, Canada where he taught in the department of philosophy for 36 years. Block's professional areas of interest are Aristotle and Wittgenstein. Professor
Block has published numerous papers and edited a book, Perspectives on the Philosophy of Wittgenstein. His article "G-d and Rationality" appeared in B'Or Ha' Torah 2; and "G-d and Rationality Revisited," in B'Or Ha' Torah 6E. A revision of "G-d and Rationality" appears in Science in the Light of the Torah published by Jason Aronson.
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