Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy

by Kenneth Seeskin

Overview

Although it is customary to view Judaism as a legalistic faith leaving little room for free thought or individual expression, Kenneth Seeskin argues that this view is wrong. Looking at classic texts from Biblical, Rabbinic, and philosophical literature, Seeskin shows that Judaism has always respected freedom of conscience and assigned an important role to the power of human reason. Clear and concise, this book offers a refreshing alternative to the mysticism and dogmatism prevalent in much of the recent literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521114622
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/25/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	1340L (what's this?)

About the Author

Kenneth Seeskin is Professor of Philosophy at Northwestern University, Illinois. He has published widely in the area of Jewish philosophy and his books include Searching for a Distant God: The Legacy of Maimonides (2000), Jewish Philosophy in a Secular Age (1990), Maimonides: A Guide for Today's Perplexed (1991), No Other Gods (1995) and Dialogue and Discovery: A Study in Socratic Method (1987).

Table of Contents

Preface; Abbreviations; 1. The problem of autonomy; 2. Covenant and consent in the Bible; 3. From the prophet to the sage; 4. From the sage to the philosopher; 5. The rise of modernity: Spinoza and Mendelssohn; 6. The height of modernity: Kant and Cohen; 7. Modernity under fire: Buber and Levinas; 8. Conclusion: a partnership with God; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Seeskin is to be commended. Moreover, Seeskin's application of rationalism to Judiasm is praiseworth. Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy is not easy reading, but it repays careful study. I highly recommend this excellent book to all serious students of Jewish Philosophy." Conservative Judaism

From the Publisher