I. Introduction -- the Greek and Islamic Legacy (Jan. 10)
1. Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
Sirat 1-37.
2. Kalam, Neoplatonism, Aristotelianism
Sirat 57-155
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II. Moses Maimonides I (Jan. 17)
1. Synthesis and Esotericism
Guide. Int. to Part One, 1.33-35,. Manekin, pp. 1-21
2. Describing the Indescribable God
Guide. 1.1-13, 1.50-60. Manekin, pp. 22-37.
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III. Moses Maimonides II (Jan. 24)
1. Creation
Guide 1.71, 2.12-25, Manekin, pp. 38-53.
2. Prophecy
Guide 2.31-36, Manekin, pp. 126-147.
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IV. Moses Maimonides III (Jan. 31)
First Assignment Due (3-4 pages): Explain Maimonides' Theory of Divine Attributes
Maimonides' Paper Topic and Bibliography Due
1. Providence
Guide 3.10-12, 17-20. Manekin, pp. 54-75.
2. The Law and Its Rationale. Human Happiness.
Guide 3.21-54.Manekin, pp. 76-93.
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V. The Controversy over the Study of Philosophy in the 13th and 14th Centuries (Feb. 7)
1. The Maimonidean Controversies and the Ban on Philosophy
Joseph ben Shem Tov Falaquera, "The Epistle of the Debate", Sirat, pp. 234-238.
2. Jewish Averroism
Isaac Albalag, "The Improvement of the Opinions," Sirat, pp. 238-243
Joseph ibn Kaspi, “A Refining Pot for Silver,” Sirat, pp. 322-330.
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VI. Freedom, Foreknowledge, and Astral Determinism (Feb. 14)
Maimonides' Paper Due -- No Extensions
1. The Determinism Debate
Word Download Abner of Burgos, "Treatise on Predestination," Sirat, pp. 302-322.
Word Download Isaac Polgar, "The Support of Religion"
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VII. Levi Gersonides I (Feb. 21)
1. Life and Works. Sirat, pp. 282-308 (This covers all of Gersonides)
2. Veridical Dreams and Prophecy, Wars, pp. 5-72.
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VIII. Levi Gersonides II (Feb. 28)
1. God's Knowledge, Wars, 75-138.
2. God's Providence , Wars, 139-210.
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IX. Hasdai Crescas (March 14)
1. Crescas and the Principles of Faith (Handout)
2. Crescas' Critique of Aristotelian Physics, Wolfson, 38-69
3. Crescas on God's Knowledge (Light, 466-472)
4. Crescas on Choice and Determinism (Light 472-491)
5. Crescas on the Goal of Humans
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X Abraham Bivach and Joseph Albo (March 21)
1. Abraham Bivach, The Way of Faith.
2. Joseph Albo on Law and Principles of Faith (Roots, pp. 54-67)
3. Albo on God's Existence (Roots, pp. 102-106)
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Third Assignment Due (3-4 pages). Explain Abner's and Crescas' views on Choice and God's Knowledge.
XI. Joseph Albo (March 28)
1. Divine Unity and Attributes (Roots, pp. 155-177)
2. Creation (Roots, pp. 230-237)
3. Revelation and Torah (Roots pp. 389-393)
4. God's Knowledge (Roots, pp. 492-495, 572-595)
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XII. Isaac Abrabanel and Elijah Delmedigo (April 11 (April 4 cancelled))
1. Isaac Abrabanel, Commentary on Joshua
2. Isaac Abrabanel, The Works of God
3. Elijah Del Medigo, The Examination of the True Religion
Take Home Exam Handed Out
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XIII. Leone Ebreo and Obadiah Sforno (April 18)
1. Leone Ebreo (Judah Abrabanel), Dialogues on Love
2. Obadiah Sforno, Light of the Peoples