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Medieval Jewish Philosophy - PHI00086M

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will look at further developments in Jewish philosophy and theology after Maimonides. The module will focus on a single text from this tradition. Connections between post-Maimonidean thought and the Western Enlightenment will also be explored where possible. Prior study of Maimonides is helpful but not required.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

The aim of this module is to familiarize students with a non-Western school of Philosophical thought, and develop their ability to engage and debate with it. In particular, students will become acquainted with Jewish Philosophy and halachic philosophy, as well as their relationship to questions of free will, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Connections between the Jewish tradition and the history of Western philosophy will also be explored.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to understand and adjudicate disputes within both philosophy and theology in the Jewish philosophical tradition. They should be able to relate these disputes to issues in theology and philosophy of religion. They should be able to engage with a different philosophical tradition and put it into conversation with their own philosophical training.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

All feedback will be returned according to current University and Departmental guidelines.

Indicative reading

Gersonides, Wars of the Lord

Spinoza, Theologico-Political Treatise,

Albo Book of Principles

Leon Ebreo Dialogues of Love



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.