| Course title | Symbolic Institution in Medieval Jewish Thought |
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| 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) |
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| Course content |
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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)
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| Learning activities and teaching methods |
| unspecified |
| Learning outcomes |
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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.
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| Prerequisites |
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unspecified
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| Assessment methods and criteria |
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unspecified
Students are obliged to prepare for every seminar (set reading list) and participate actively in discussions. They will obtain credits at the end of the seminar. Tolerated absences: 2. |
| Recommended literature |
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| Study plans that include the course |
| Faculty | Study plan (Version) | Category of Branch/Specialization | 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: - |