Asset Details
Do you wish to reserve the book?
Degenerates and Madmen: Moral Accountability and Divine Determinism in the Thought of R. Yitzchak Hutner and Hazon Ish
Hey, we have placed the reservation for you!
By the way, why not check out events that you can attend while you pick your title.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place the reservation. Kindly try again later.
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
Degenerates and Madmen: Moral Accountability and Divine Determinism in the Thought of R. Yitzchak Hutner and Hazon Ish
Do you wish to request the book?
Degenerates and Madmen: Moral Accountability and Divine Determinism in the Thought of R. Yitzchak Hutner and Hazon Ish
Please be aware that the book you have requested cannot be checked out. If you would like to checkout this book, you can reserve another copy
We have requested the book for you!
Your request is successful and it will be processed during the Library working hours. Please check the status of your request in My Requests.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place your request. Kindly try again later.
Journal Article
Degenerates and Madmen: Moral Accountability and Divine Determinism in the Thought of R. Yitzchak Hutner and Hazon Ish
2025
Overview
At the end of a halakhic analysis on the mundane legal issue of milking cows on Shabbat in pre-state Palestine, Rabbi Avraham Karelitz (Hazon Ish) made the radical theological claim that \"there is no difference between a degenerate and a madman.\" This article explores the theological and legal challenges posed by such a statement, which blurs the line between moral accountability and psychological incapacity. In a thoughtful and original response, R. Yitzchak Hutner proposes a dual-framework approach: in the personal, religious domain, one should view wrongdoing as partofdivine providence, while in the legal domain, human autonomy and responsibility remain essential. Drawing on Maimonidean principles, kabbalistic ideas, and ethical teachings, R. Hutner seeks to resolve the tension between divine determinism, personal autonomy, and the foundations of halakhic justice. His framework parallels concepts found in the writings of R. Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin but introduces important distinctions. This study highlights the sophistication of R. Hutner's thought and its relevance to enduring questions of free will, justice, and spiritual growth.
