Description
Book SynopsisPhilosophers and Scholars offers a map of possible research conceptions and methods for the study of Jewish philosophy. Jonathan Cohen brings together the views of three of the greatest scholar-thinkers in the area of Jewish philosophy of the twentieth century, including Harry Austryn Wolfson (1887D1974), Julius Guttmann (1880D1950), and Leo Strauss (1899D1973). Each thinker''s construction of Jewish philosophy is presented through individual definitions of Judaism and philosophy, understandings of its historical development, and analyses of the canons used in interpretations of Jewish philosophical texts. Cohen approaches the history of Jewish philosophy from a personal and fervently held Jewish philosophical perspective. This rich and fascinating text imparts new perspectives and theses on the research orientations of Wolfson, Guttmann, and Strauss. Philosophers and Scholars will captivate those interested in religious studies and philosophy.
Trade ReviewJonathan Cohen's Philosophers and Scholars is the first study of its type: a comprehensive and original consideration of the three greatest historians of Jewish philosophy in the 20th century—Harry Wolfson, Julius Guttmann, and Leo Strauss. His research is thorough, and his argument is probing and thoughtful. The book often challenges established, already-conventional views of the achievement of these three great scholars. It is an impressive synthesis, and the author sets a high standard for future historians of thought, both Jewish and general. -- Kenneth Hart Green, University of Toronto
Table of ContentsPart 1 Part One: Orientation by Origins: Biblical Theology and its Unfolding in the Scholarship of Harry Austryn Wolfson Chapter 2 Preface: Intellectual Background Chapter 3 Epistemological Perspectives—Religious and Philosophical Knowledge: Their Character and Modes of Interaction Chapter 4 Historiosophical Elements—Chronicling the Articulation of Jewish Philosophy Over Time Chapter 5 Guidelines for the Interpretation of Jewish Philosophical Texts Part 6 Part Two: A Teleology of Ends: Religiosity, Contemplation and Development in the Scholarship of Julius Guttmann Chapter 7 Preface: Intellectual Background Chapter 8 Epistemological Perspectives—Religious and Philosophical Knowledge: Their Character and Modes of Interaction Chapter 9 Historiosophical Elements—Following the Development of Jewish Philosophy Over Time Chapter 10 Guidelines for the Interpretation of Jewish Philosophical Texts Part 11 Part Three: Beyond Time and Society—Philosophy, Judaism and History in the Scholarship of Leo Strauss Chapter 12 Preface: Intellectual Background Chapter 13 Epistemological Perspectives—Religious and Philosophical Knowledge: Their Character and Modes in Interaction Chapter 14 Historiosophical Elements—On Religion, Philosophy, Pseudo-Philosophy and Time Chapter 15 Guidelines for the Interpretation of Jewish Philosophical Texts
