Philosopher and Prophet: Judah Halevi, the Kuzari, and the Evolution of His Thought (S U N Y Series in Judaica) (Suny Series, Judaica) [Paperback]

Yochanan Silman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Suny Series, Judaica | Publication Date: July 1, 1995

This book is the first to describe the development of Halevi's thought with a view to reaching a better understanding of its inherent systematic difficulties, as well as enabling identification of the various strata of the book belonging to different periods in his philosophical development. The first part describes a kind of Aristotelian philosophy which seems to be espoused by Halevi himself before writing the Kuzari. The second part concerns itself with his early thought as expressed in certain parts of the Book of Kuzari. At this stage his thought is still faithful to the essentials of the Aristotelian philosophy and its primary function is to combat Karaism. Intra-systematic and extra-systematic difficulties peculiar to this thought give rise to the next stage in the development of his philosophy, which is described in the third part. This later thought is also distinguished by its strong emphasis on concrete human experience. During this period, Halevi retreats from many principles of Aristotelianism, and his major intention is to justify his new position. The fourth part deals with the dialectical unity of the Kuzari which is also reflected by the literary genre of this book as story and dialogue.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Yochanan Silman is Associate Professor of Jewish Philosophy at Bar-Ilan University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 390 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791424626
• ISBN-13: 978-0791424629
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,874,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A serious work, February 7, 2005

By 

Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Philosopher and Prophet: Judah Halevi, the Kuzari, and the Evolution of His Thought (S U N Y Series in Judaica) (Suny Series, Judaica) (Paperback)

This work is a serious study of the thought of 'The Kuzari'. It attempts to analyze different positions within the work itself, and reach a deeper understanding of the method and meaning of the work as a whole. It is a work which requires a great deal of concentration and hard thinking, but one who gives this will be rewarded with a far deeper understanding of the work of a major Jewish thinker.

5 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars About this book........., May 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Philosopher and Prophet: Judah Halevi, the Kuzari, and the Evolution of His Thought (S U N Y Series in Judaica) (Suny Series, Judaica) (Paperback)

If you're thinking of buying this book, you might want to check it out at the library first. However, I think you should definitely read it, no matter where you get it, especially if you are Jewish, since it is important to study Jewish History and learn about your past and your ancestors, in order to preserve and perpetuate our culture and religion. Please take the time to think about it.