Practical Jewish Thought and the Sociality of Reason

This article describes a conflict between rational self-understanding and contextual explanation in practical Jewish thought, specifically with reference to the halakhic philosophical issue of ta'amei ha-mitzvot (reasons for the commandments). It suggests that the neo-Hegelian concept of the sociality of reason promises a way to reconcile this conflict, but also raises the threat of relativism. It then examines two forms of neo-Hegelianism that both affirm the sociality of reason and also aim to avoid relativism, one articulated by Robert Brandom and the other by Jürgen Habermas. The article explains their differing consequences for practical Jewish thought, and offers reasons for preferring Habermas' approach, while suggesting that this must be revised to be serviceable for practical Jewish thought. It concludes by reflecting on the deeper implications of recognizing the sociality of reason for Jewish thought.