Medieval Jewish Thinkers

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This course with Rabbi Mark Smilowitz will explore some of the forces that formed the various philosophical works of this era, which include pressure to assimilate coming from the majority culture of Christianity or Islam, as well as confusion among the masses about Jewish belief that arose from interaction with Karaites and both secular and Islamic Aristotelian rationalism.

Topics of interest include the question of proving God’s existence, the rationality of the commandments, the nature of prophecy, the immortality of the soul, and others. Differences between Rambam’s and Harav Yehuda Halevi will be emphasized, and other thinkers explored will include Rav Saadyah Gaon, Rabbeinu Bahya, Ralbag, Rav Hasdai Crescas, Rav Yosef Albo, and others.