Jewish thought is, in many ways, a paradox. Is it theology or is it philosophy? Does it use universal methods to articulate Judaism's particularity or does it justify Judaism's particularity with appeals to illuminating the universal? These two sets of claims are difficult if not impossible to reconcile, and their tension reverberates throughout the length and breadth of Jewish philosophical writing, from Saadya Gaon in the ninth century to Emmanuel Levinas in the twentieth. Rather than assume, as most scholars of Jewish philosophy do, that the terms "philosophy" and "Judaism" simply belong together, Hughes explores the juxtaposition and the creative tension that ensues from their cohabitation, examining adroitly the historical, cultural, intellectual, and religious filiations between Judaism and philosophy. Breaking with received opinion, this book seeks to challenge the exclusionary, particularist, and essentialist nature that is inherent to the practice of something problematically referred to as "Jewish philosophy." Hughes begins with the premise that Jewish philosophy is impossible and begins the process of offering a sophisticated and constructive rethinking of the discipline that avoids the traditional extremes of universalism and particularism.

About the Author
Aaron W. Hughes holds the Philip S. Bernstein Chair of Jewish Studies in the Department of Religion and Classics at the University of Rochester.

Reviews
Aaron Hughes proposes no less than a deconstruction of the category of Jewish Philosophy. In an approach that is sensitive to history yet resolute in its conclusions, Hughes foregrounds the paradoxes and impossibilities of identity politics inherent in particular/universal binarisms, and enjoins us to enter a liberating engagement with Jewish metaphilosophy. A deeply thoughtful and principled work that should become essential reading for all students of Jewish philosophical thinking. * Sean Hand, Professor of French,University of Warwick *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199356812
Author Aaron W. Hughes
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 386g
Dimensions(mm) 163mm * 236mm * 25mm