modern jewish thought
CASRN329/629 fall 2005
Course description Like its medieval predecessor, the Judeo-Arab philosophy of Al Andalus, modern Jewish philosophy of religion is a hybrid formed from an indigenous religious tradition and a universalizing concept of rationality. In contrast to their medieval predecessors, however, the modern thinkers are also apologists, responding to the theological-political critique of religion of the 17th century that became the foundation of the modern state as the framework of the liberty and happiness of individuals. The thinkers we will study actively and creatively participated in the discourse of modernity while defending the meaning of the Jewish religious tradition, its sacred Scriptures, and belief in God.
Required textbooks
Baruch Spinoza, A Theologico-Political Treatise. (Transl. Shirley) Hackett Publ.
Roger Scruton, Spinoza. A very short introduction (OUP)
Moses Mendelssohn, Jerusalem or on Religious Power and Judaism. U Press of New England: 1984
Hermann Cohen, Religion of Reason Our of the Sources of Judaism
Michael Zank, The idea of atonement in the philosophy of Hermann Cohen
Franz Rosenzweig, Philosophical and Theological Writings (Hackett, 2000)
Recommended background reading
Amos Elon, The Pity of it all
Assessment and grading
Attendance, participation, brief homework assignments, and two discussion protocols: 40%
Two papers (30% each).