Jewish Philosophy

Catalog description

Explores major figures and trends in Jewish philosophy and their influences on other philosophical traditions. J ST (PHIL) 468 Modern Jewish Philosophy (3) The primary objective of this course is to encourage students to have a reflective stance on Jewish thought. Students will learn what comprises Jewish thought and how it is distinguished from theology. They will learn what role religion plays in philosophical thought and what is at stake for a philosophy that emerges from a particular religion. This course will give students perspective on how Judaism links to other philosophical movements, for example, the enlightenment of the modern period. It will enable to think about Judaism from a theoretical perspective, adding a new dimension to what they might study from historical, sociological, or literary viewpoints. Some questions we will consider include: In what ways does it converge/diverge, with the philosophical strains that influence it? In what ways have particular events in history shaped Judaic thinking? Does Judaism, or Judaic thinking, have an essence? If so, what is it? What does Judaism mean for the Jews, and what does it mean for others? And finally, what role does mysticism have in the play between religion and philosophy? Students will be evaluated by written work (short papers and a longer seminar paper) and a class presentation.