Studying at York
Idolatry & Tradition: The Philosophy of Maimonides & Crescas - PHI00128H
- Department: Philosophy
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Owen Hulatt
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
Module summary
Maimonides and Crescas were two Jewish philosophers who made important and lasting contributions to the philosophy of free will, of infinity, of religion and of ethics. In examining the relationship between their work we gain insight into the unique assumptions and preoccupations of the Jewish philosophical tradition, which often defined itself through opposition to the Greek roots which have helped frame Western philosophy. We will acquire familiarity with a non-Western tradition of thought, and explore the abiding interest of Jewish philosophy; comprehension of the radical difference between humans and an infinite God, and the eradication of idolatry.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2021-22 |
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.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to understand a range of texts from the Jewish philosophical tradition. They should be able to critically adjudicate its relationship to perennial issues in ethical philosophy 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.
Module content
Week 2; Introduction to ‘Jewish philosophy’. Potted history from Torah, to Hellenistic period, to Spinoza.
Week 3 – Onkelos and Maimonides on analogical and equivocal predication applied to God
Week 4 – Crescas contra Maimonides – argument for univocity of predicates applied to God
Week 5 – Maimonides and Crescas on free will
Week 6 – Creation, Emanation, and Evil
Week 7 – Maimonides and Crescas on Infinity
Week 8 – Maimonides vs Crescas on the Good
Week 9 – Iconoclasm, Monism, and Atheism
Week 10 - Tutorials
Indicative assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Essay (4000 words) |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The 1,000-word formative essay will be submitted in Week 7, Autumn Term.
The 4,000-word summative essay will be submitted on Monday, Week 2, Spring Term.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Essay (4000 words) |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative assessment will take the form of tutorial feedback.
Summative assessment will be returned within four weeks of submission.
Indicative reading
Maimonides Guide for the Perplexed (Moreh Nebukim)
Chasdai Crescas Light of the Lord (‘Or Hashem).