ABSTRACT

In this innovative volume contemporary philosophers respond to classic works of Jewish philosophy. For each of twelve central topics in Jewish philosophy, Jewish philosophical readings, drawn from the medieval period through the twentieth century, appear alongside an invited contribution that engages both the readings and the contemporary philosophical literature in a constructive dialogue. The twelve topics are organized into four sections, and each section commences with an overview of the ensuing dialogue and concludes with a list of further readings. The introduction to the volume assesses the current state of Jewish philosophy and argues for a deeper engagement with analytic philosophy, exemplified by the new contributions.

Jewish Philosophy Past and Present: Contemporary Responses to Classical Sources is a cutting edge work of Jewish philosophy, and, at the same time, an engaging introduction to the issues that animated Jewish philosophers for centuries and to the texts that they have produced. It is designed to set the agenda in Jewish philosophy for years to come.   

chapter |5 pages

Introduction

Jewish Philosophy: Past, Present, and Future

part I|67 pages

Language and Interpretation

chapter 1|25 pages

Religious Language

chapter 2|22 pages

The Interpretation of Scripture

chapter 3|18 pages

Jewish Philosophy and its History

part II|86 pages

Epistemology and Metaphysics

chapter 4|33 pages

Belief, Knowledge, and Theism

chapter 5|28 pages

Idolatry

chapter 6|23 pages

Human Ontology and Personal Immortality

part III|63 pages

Philosophical Theology

chapter 7|21 pages

Divine Justice

chapter 8|17 pages

Chosenness

chapter 9|23 pages

Redemption and Messianism

part IV|73 pages

Practical Philosophy

chapter 10|27 pages

Ritual and Rationality

chapter 11|21 pages

Repentance and Forgiveness

chapter 12|23 pages

Religious Pluralism and Toleration