Course: Symbolic Institution in Medieval Jewish Thought

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Course title Symbolic Institution in Medieval Jewish Thought
Course code JUD/1F12
Organizational form of instruction Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Visi Tamás, doc. Ph.D., M.A.
Course content
Program: Phenomenal field versus symbolic systems: Marc Richir's theory (reading: Immanuel Kant, The Critique of the Faculty of Judgement, §25-29 The incarnation of a problem (Reading: Ibn Ezra on Genesis 12:6 and Eleazar ben Mattityah's supercommentary on it) The sublime in exegesis (reading: Ibn Ezra on Exodus 3:15) The problem of astrology (reading Averroes, Book of animals, chunk 119-120) Antisemitism and persecutions in medieval Europe: symbolic systems and phenomenal fields Dealing with a social stigma: the Maimonidean theory of idolatry (Reading: Maimonides, Guide of the Perplexed, 2.36, and 3.29) A Maimonidean philosopher in Hussite Prague: Menahem Shalem on idolatry and religious fanaticism (Reading: Shalem's commentary on mSotah 9:15)

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified
Learning outcomes
Seminar title: Symbolic Institution in Medieval Jewish Thought Marc Richir's theory of symbolic institution will be utilized as an analytical framework for understanding post-Maimonidean Jewish philosophical texts. Key passages will be read in Hebrew and analyzed in detail. The classes will focus on two issues: (1) how Jewish philosphical tradition changed by integrating Averroes' thought into the legacy of Maimonides, Ibn Ezra, and other Jewish thinkers? (2) What did philosophical ideas mean to contemporary Jewish readers / society at large? Texts to be read include: (1) Eleazar ben Mattityah on Ibn Ezra's secrets, (2) Averroes on the procreation of new life (Book of Animals), (3) Menahem Shalem on Kabbalah as a new form of idolatry.

Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
unspecified
Recommended literature


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Jewish Studies. Jewish History and Culture (2019) Category: Philosophy, theology - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Jewish and Israeli Studies (2019) Category: Philosophy, theology - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Jewish Studies. Jewish History and Culture (2019) Category: Philosophy, theology - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Jewish Studies. Jewish History and Culture (2019) Category: Philosophy, theology - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Jewish and Israeli Studies (2019) Category: Philosophy, theology - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -