The Jewish intellectual tradition : a history of learning and achievement / Alan Kadish, Michael A. Shmidman, Simcha Fishbane.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kadish, Alan, author.

Fishbane, Simcha, author.

Shmidman, Michael A., author.

Series:

Judaism and Jewish life.

Judaism and Jewish Life

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (400 pages).

Place of Publication:

Boston, Massachusetts : Academic Studies Press, [2020]

Summary:

The Jewish intellectual tradition has a long and complex history that has resulted in significant and influential works of scholarship. In this book, the authors suggest that there is a series of common principles that can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad, even life-changing, implications for individual and societal achievement. These principles include respect for tradition while encouraging independent, often disruptive thinking; a precise system of logical reasoning in pursuit of the truth; universal education continuing through adulthood; and living a purposeful life. The main objective of this book is to understand the historical development of these principles and to demonstrate how applying them judiciously can lead to greater intellectual productivity, a more fulfilling existence, and a more advanced society. The application of these principles to daily life can make a real and profound difference in education, productivity, and personal happiness.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

List of Illustrations

Preface

Introduction

PART ONE Libraries of the Jewish People

1. Golden Libraries in the “Golden Age,” Tenth–Twelfth Centuries: The Library of Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid

2. Nahmanides and His Library

3. From Manuscript to Printing Press: The Library of Leone Modena

4. The Modern Period: The Library of Rabbi Samson R. Hirsch

5. The Library of Professor Harry Austryn Wolfson

6. The Contemporary University Library

PART TWO From Text to Success: Salient Ideas and Values and Their Influence

7. Respect for Precedent and Critical Independence

8. Logical Reasoning and Pursuit of Truth

9. The Primacy of Education

10. A Purposeful Life—The Pursuit of Perfection

11. Summary and Conclusions

Note on Translations

Appendix: Maps

Illustration Credits

Notes

Index

Authors’ Biographies

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-64469-536-7

1-64469-535-9