Syllabus
Our aim is to present four attractive topics connected, in many ways, with Jewish theoretical reflexions as well as with their practical consequences.
1. Texts and contexts A: What is Jewish philosophy? Greek thoughts, Arabic culture, European acceptance and development. B: Scepticism towards foreign sciences. Talmudic criticism of philosophy and medieval controversy over philosophical teaching. C: Texts: Sh. Carmy, D. Schatz: “The Bible as a Source for Philosophical Reflection” and Anonymous letter against philosophy
2. Jewish rationalism A: Maimonides. Guide of the Perplexed and the Aristotelian background. Theory of prophecy. Soul of man. B: Haskalah and Moses Mendelssohn. Jewish Enlightenment and the Exodus from the ghetto. Rational theology, Reform Judaism. C: Texts: Maimonides, Letter on the Management of health and M. Mendelssohn: Jerusalem or On Religious Power and Judaism.
3. Jewish existentialism A: J. D. Soloveitchik. The lonely man of faith in the modern world. B: A. J. Heschel. The meaning of Jewish existence. C: Texts: J. D. Soloveitchik, The Lonely Man of Faith; A. J. Heschel, God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism.
4. Jewish political and social philosophy A: Spinoza: Comments on the traditional Judaism. The book forged in hell: Spinoza´s Theological-Political Treatise. B: Hannah Arendt and political philosophy. Totalitarianism, citizenship and action. Nature of evil. C: Texts: Spinoza, Theological-Political Treatise (book
1); H. Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem. A Report on the Banality of Evil.
Annotation
How “Jewish” is Jewish philosophy? In a systematic overview, this introductory course aims to present some big figures and big questions of Jewish philosophic thought from 9th century until present days. We will read and discuss selected texts and try to understand the specific Jewish attitude to secular sciences including philosophy.
Students who wish to gain credits for the course must meet two requirements:
(1) Attendance at the seminar each week and active participation during the lectures. More than four absences will make one ineligible for the grade.
(2). Final paper (1000 - 1200 words) on a theme related to texts discussed in seminars.