Philosophers and Scholars: Wolfson, Guttmann and Strauss on the History of Jewish Philosophy

by Jonathan Cohen Ph.D. Co-President, Internation

Overview

Philosophers and Scholars offers a map of possible research conceptions and methods for the study of Jewish philosophy. Jonathan Cohen brings together the views of three of the greatest scholar-thinkers in the area of Jewish philosophy of the twentieth century, including Harry Austryn Wolfson (1887–1974), Julius Guttmann (1880–1950), and Leo Strauss (1899–1973). Each thinker's construction of Jewish philosophy is presented through individual definitions of Judaism and philosophy, understandings of its historical development, and analyses of the canons used in interpretations of Jewish philosophical texts. Cohen approaches the history of Jewish philosophy from a personal and fervently held Jewish philosophical perspective. This rich and fascinating text imparts new perspectives and theses on the research orientations of Wolfson, Guttmann, and Strauss. Philosophers and Scholars will captivate those interested in religious studies and philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739119983
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	10/05/2007
Edition description:	Translatio
Pages:	334
Product dimensions:	6.33(w) x 9.37(h) x 1.15(d)

About the Author

Jonathan Cohen is senior lecturer of Jewish education and the philosophy of education at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Part One: Orientation by Origins: Biblical Theology and its Unfolding in the Scholarship of Harry Austryn Wolfson
Chapter 2 Preface: Intellectual Background
Chapter 3 Epistemological Perspectives—Religious and Philosophical Knowledge: Their Character and Modes of Interaction
Chapter 4 Historiosophical Elements—Chronicling the Articulation of Jewish Philosophy Over Time
Chapter 5 Guidelines for the Interpretation of Jewish Philosophical Texts
Part 6 Part Two: A Teleology of Ends: Religiosity, Contemplation and Development in the Scholarship of Julius Guttmann
Chapter 7 Preface: Intellectual Background
Chapter 8 Epistemological Perspectives—Religious and Philosophical Knowledge: Their Character and Modes of Interaction
Chapter 9 Historiosophical Elements—Following the Development of Jewish Philosophy Over Time
Chapter 10 Guidelines for the Interpretation of Jewish Philosophical Texts
Part 11 Part Three: Beyond Time and Society—Philosophy, Judaism and History in the Scholarship of Leo Strauss
Chapter 12 Preface: Intellectual Background
Chapter 13 Epistemological Perspectives—Religious and Philosophical Knowledge: Their Character and Modes in Interaction
Chapter 14 Historiosophical Elements—On Religion, Philosophy, Pseudo-Philosophy and Time
Chapter 15 Guidelines for the Interpretation of Jewish Philosophical Texts

What People are Saying About This

Kenneth Hart Green

Jonathan Cohen's Philosophers and Scholars is the first study of its type: a comprehensive and original consideration of the three greatest historians of Jewish philosophy in the 20th century—Harry Wolfson, Julius Guttmann, and Leo Strauss. His research is thorough, and his argument is probing and thoughtful. The book often challenges established, already-conventional views of the achievement of these three great scholars. It is an impressive synthesis, and the author sets a high standard for future historians of thought, both Jewish and general.

Editorial Reviews

Jonathan Cohen's Philosophers and Scholars is the first study of its type: a comprehensive and original consideration of the three greatest historians of Jewish philosophy in the 20th century—Harry Wolfson, Julius Guttmann, and Leo Strauss. His research is thorough, and his argument is probing and thoughtful. The book often challenges established, already-conventional views of the achievement of these three great scholars. It is an impressive synthesis, and the author sets a high standard for future historians of thought, both Jewish and general.

Kenneth Hart Green

Jonathan Cohen's Philosophers and Scholars is the first study of its type: a comprehensive and original consideration of the three greatest historians of Jewish philosophy in the 20th century--Harry Wolfson, Julius Guttmann, and Leo Strauss. His research is thorough, and his argument is probing and thoughtful. The book often challenges established, already-conventional views of the achievement of these three great scholars. It is an impressive synthesis, and the author sets a high standard for future historians of thought, both Jewish and general.--Kenneth Hart Green, University of Toronto

From the Publisher