Medieval Jewish Philosophy - PHI00086M
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 2025-26 |
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