Introduction to Jewish Thought

Catalog description

A general introduction to arguments and concepts from both medieval Jewish Philosophy (from Saadia to Crescas) and Jewish mysticism (from the merkavah speculations of late antiquity to 18th-century Hasidism) in their historical and literary context. Themes discussed will include: conceptions of God, conceptions of prophecy, conceptions of the Torah, reasons for the commandments, evil, eschatology, esotericism, and mystical experience. Readings (in translation) from selected primary and secondary literature.