Jewish Philosophy Past and Present Contemporary Responses to Classical Sources

In this innovative volume contemporary philosophers respond to classic works of Jewish philosophy. For each of twelve central topics in Jewish philosophy, Jewish philosophical readings, drawn from the medieval period through the twentieth century, appear alongside an invited contribution that engages both the readings and the contemporary philosophical literature in a constructive dialogue. The twelve topics are organized into four sections, and each section commences with an overview of the ensuing dialogue and concludes with a list of further readings. The introduction to the volume assesses the current state of Jewish philosophy and argues for a deeper engagement with analytic philosophy, exemplified by the new contributions.

Jewish Philosophy Past and Present: Contemporary Responses to Classical Sources is a cutting edge work of Jewish philosophy, and, at the same time, an engaging introduction to the issues that animated Jewish philosophers for centuries and to the texts that they have produced. It is designed to set the agenda in Jewish philosophy for years to come.

I Language and Interpretation

1. Religious Language
2. The Interpretation of Scripture
3. Jewish Philosophy and Its History

II Epistemology and Metaphysics

4. Belief, Knowledge, and Theism
5. Idolatry
6. Human Ontology and Immortality

III Philosophical Theology

7. Divine Justice
8. Chosenness
9. Redemption and Messianism

IV Practical Philosophy

10. Ritual and Rationality
11. Repentance and Forgiveness
12. Religious Pluralism and Toleration