Download Classical Jewish Philosophy

CLASSICAL JEWISH PHILOSOPHY
Jewish Studies: 01:563:311
Philosophy: 01:730:311
Tuesday/Thursday 4:30-5:50pm
Is religion compatible with reason? This was a major concern for medieval philosophers. This
course will examine the positions of major Jewish philosophers from the Middle Ages on a set
number of issues: ethics and politics, religion and reason, the problem of evil, and the true
conduct of life. We will examine how Judaism becomes recast as a school of philosophy in the
classical sense: as a spiritual discipline attuned to the nature of the world. The course will also
keep track of the development of Islamic and Christian philosophy, their influence on- and
dialogue with- Jewish thought. Philosophy is for everybody and this course will accommodate
hard workers, seeking to make the debates of the past relevant for thinking about similar issues
in the present.
Course requirements:
I cannot emphasize enough that attendance and preparation are key to your success in the
course. The class is built on our reading and discussing philosophical texts, so being part of the
classroom community is essential.
Attendance does not simply mean being physically present. You need to prepare the readings
and be ready to contribute to class conversation.
Assignments:
A brief (5-6 page) paper is due in early November, which will serve as your midterm. A longer
(6-8 page) paper is due in early December. There will be a final—or what I like to call
“celebration of all that we’ve learned—that will address the various issues and debates, figures
and schools of philosophy under discussion.
Required Texts:
Jehudah Halevi, The Kuzari: An Argument for the Faith of Israel
Twersky, Isodore (ed). A Maimonides Reader
Week One: Philosophy and Religious Thought in the Middle Ages
Week Two: Philo and the Legacy of Jewish Philosophy
Week Three: Judaism as a Way of Life: Duties of the Heart
Week Four: Judaism and the Virtues: Duties of the Heart
Week Five: Judaism Against other Religions: HaLevi’s Kuzari
Week Six: Judaism Against Philosophy: HaLevi’s Kuzari
Week Seven: Judaism Defended: HaLevi’s Kuzari
Week Eight: Maimonides on Ethics
Week Nine: Maimonides on Bible
Week Ten: Maimonides on Politics
Week Eleven: The Nature of Prophesy
Week Twelve: The Problem of Evil
Week Thirteen: The Problem of Evil
THANKSGIVING
Week Fourteen: The Status of Christianity
Week Fifteen: From Medieval to Modern
Final