Natural Law in Judaism

by David Novak

Overview

Natural law is the idea that our basic moral principles apply to every human being, and are accessible to human reason. Most people have assumed that since Judaism seems to consist of a specific historical revelation and a specific tradition, that an idea such as natural law is foreign to it. This book shows that natural law is part of Judaism, and that it is consistent with its specific revelation and tradition. In this book, not only is the history of an idea shown with great accuracy, but the idea of natural law is presented as a way of conveying some of Judaism's meaning for life today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521631709
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/26/1998
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.71(w) x 8.82(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. The challenge of modern secularity; 2. Scriptural foundations; 3. Jewish ethics and natural law; 4. Maimonides' teleology of the law; 5. Natural law and created nature; 6. Noahide law and human personhood; 7. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"David Novak's own new book, Natural Lae and Judaism...is a large contribution to the dialogue at the ‘moral border' between Judaism and Christianity." Washington Post Book World

"...elegant..." The Weekly Standard

"It will set the tone for future discussion about natural law in Judaism, as well as about the nature Jewish ethics. Appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses." Religious Studies Review

"While it is clear to me that Judaism and Natural Law, with all its erudition, insight and wisdom, deserves an honoured place in any library of ethics or legal philosophy, the last word has still not been said on the topic, and hopefully we can look forward to yet further cultivation of these topics in Novak's future endeavours." Studies in Religion

"...a rich and thoughtful book that creatively addresses challenges in Jewish thought, religious ethics, and philosophy...Natural Law in Judaism is an important work that will stimulate and reward those who engage its argument." Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher