A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy II

Descripción

Translation publication date: 18/06/2023

A History of Medieval Jewish Philosophy is a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to the main thinkers and themes of Jewish philosophy from the 9th to the 15th century. The book explores the rich and diverse tradition of rational inquiry that flourished within the medieval Jewish world, from the Islamic East to the Christian West. The book examines how medieval Jewish philosophers engaged with the philosophical problems of their time, such as the nature of God, creation, prophecy, free will, ethics, and politics. It also traces the development of Jewish philosophy in relation to its Islamic and Christian counterparts, as well as its influence on later Jewish thought.

The book covers the major figures of medieval Jewish philosophy, such as Isaac Israeli, Saadia ben Jospeh, Solomon ibn Gabirol, Maimonides, Abraham ibn Ezra, Judah Halevi, Abraham ibn Daud, Gersonides. It also introduces lesser known authors and texts that reflect the diversity and creativity of medieval Jewish intellectual life. The book offers a balanced and accessible account of medieval Jewish philosophy, combining careful analysis with clear explanations and examples. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of Jewish philosophy or medieval intellectual history.

Isaac Husik (1876-1939) was the first scholar to provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the development of Jewish philosophy in the Middle Ages, and He argued that Jewish philosophy should be studied in the context of the broader history of philosophy. Husik was a master of several languages, including Hebrew, Arabic, German, and Greek, and relied heavily on primary sources for his research.