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Overview
The essays collected in this volume present carefully crafted and often creative interpretations of major Jewish texts and thinkers, as well as original treatments of significant issues in Jewish theology and ethics. Conversant with both Jewish philosophy and the methods and literature of analytic philosophy, the author frequently seeks to bring them into dialogue, and in addition taps the philosophical dimensions of Jewish law..The book opens with a philosophical analysis of biblical narratives. It then investigates the relationship between Judaism and general culture as conceived by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, followed by interpretations of Maimonides' moral theory and his views on human perfection. The remainder of the volume examines both critically and constructively the relationship between religious anthropology and theories of providence; the problem of evil; the challenges that neuroscience poses to religion; law and morality in Judaism; theological dimensions of 9/11; the limits of altruism; concepts of autonomy in Jewish medical ethics; and the epistemology of religious belief.
Synopsis
The essays collected in this volume present carefully crafted and often creative interpretations of major Jewish texts and thinkers, as well as original treatments of significant issues in Jewish theology and ethics. Conversant with both Jewish philosophy and the methods and literature of analytic philosophy, the author frequently seeks to bring them into dialogue, and in addition taps the philosophical dimensions of Jewish law..
The book opens with a philosophical analysis of biblical narratives. It then investigates the relationship between Judaism and general culture as conceived by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, followed by interpretations of Maimonides' moral theory and his views on human perfection. The remainder of the volume examines both critically and constructively the relationship between religious anthropology and theories of providence; the problem of evil; the challenges that neuroscience poses to religion; law and morality in Judaism; theological dimensions of 9/11; the limits of altruism; concepts of autonomy in Jewish medical ethics; and the epistemology of religious belief.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"A penetrating, keenly argued, profoundly wise, and often witty collection of essays by one of today's foremost Jewish philosophers."--Warren Zev Harvey, Chair, Department of Jewish Thought, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
“David Shatz is an excellent analytic philosopher who has also written extensively on Jewish philosophy. His articles do not merely contribute to understanding Jewish thinkers and thought. They also serve to broaden the philosophy of religion, making important issues and thinkers accessible and relevant to scholars working in other traditions. The essays will enhance scholarly appreciation of the philosophical dimensions of religious law, in a field that largely ignores or marginalizes law's role in religion. This collection is particularly welcome and will contribute valuably to a broader discussion.”—Wayne Proudfoot, Professor of Religion, Columbia University
"David Shatz's Jewish Thought in Dialogue is rigorous and refreshing. Reflecting both his training in philosophy and intimate familiarity with Judaic materials, Shatz's essays will compel you to rethink matters of significant concern to religion and ethics. Highly recommended!" -- Gerald J. Blidstein, Professor Emeritus of Jewish Thought, Ben-Gurion University and recipient of the 2006 Israel Prize in Jewish Thought
"David Shatz's essays show us how, in the hands of a master, the analytic tools of Anglo-American philosophy can clarify and critically articulate the conceptual foundations of Judaism, and how Halakhic and philosophical texts and discussions in the rabbinic tradition can enrich our understanding of classical philosophical problems. These essays are constantly enlightening, closely argued and written with wit and insight. I learn from everything David Shatz writes." -- Josef Stern, William H. Colvin Professor of Philosophy and Director, Center for Jewish Studies, University of Chicago
Shatz (philosophy, Yeshiva University) has collected and edited several of his essays, published between 1990 and 2004. His underlying theme is the connection of Jewish philosophy and ethics to events and ideas of the gentile world. He commences with the earliest source, the book of Genesis reflecting on the moral dilemmas posed in the beginning. He then discusses the most influential of the medieval thinkers, Maimonides, before moving to twentieth century philosophers and Halakhic scholars, R. Abraham Isaac Kook and R. Joseph B. Soloveichik. The views of these two men recur in later essays on religion and science as well as ethics and law. The concept of ethics is uppermost in Shatz's struggle to comprehend a melding of metaphysics and secular studies. His essay on 9/11 shows the personal effort of the philosopher to find meaning in the inexplicable. An index of biblical and rabbinic sources as well as one by subject will be useful to scholars pondering many of the same questions. (Annotation ©2010 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)