Cart
Free Shipping in Australia
Proud to be B-Corp

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy Kenneth Seeskin (Northwestern University, Illinois)

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy By Kenneth Seeskin (Northwestern University, Illinois)

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy by Kenneth Seeskin (Northwestern University, Illinois)


$65.69
Condition - New
Only 2 left

Summary

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. The book considers both existing arguments and presents its own ideas about the role of autonomy in Judaism.

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy Summary

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy by Kenneth Seeskin (Northwestern University, Illinois)

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy examines an important theme in Jewish thought from the Book of Genesis to the present day. 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. Where some see the essence of the religion as strict obedience to divine commands, Seeskin claims that God does not just command but forms a partnership with humans requiring the consent of both parties. 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. The book considers both existing arguments and presents its own ideas about the role of autonomy in Judaism. Clear and concise, it offers a refreshing alternative to the mysticism and dogmatism prevalent in much of the literature.

Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy Reviews

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

About Kenneth Seeskin (Northwestern University, Illinois)

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.

Additional information

NLS9780521114622
9780521114622
0521114624
Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy by Kenneth Seeskin (Northwestern University, Illinois)
New
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
2009-06-25
268
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a new book - be the first to read this copy. With untouched pages and a perfect binding, your brand new copy is ready to be opened for the first time

Customer Reviews - Autonomy in Jewish Philosophy