Principles of Faith

Isaac Abravanel

ISBN 10: 1904113133 / ISBN 13: 9781904113133

Published by Liverpool University Press, 2004

About this Item

The first complete English translation of Abravanel's classic work, with a comprehensive introduction and notes. Translator(s): Kellner, Menachem. Num Pages: 272 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: HRA. Category: (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15. Weight in Grams: 350. . 2004. New edition. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9781904113133

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Principles of Faith
• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1904113133
• ISBN 13: 9781904113133
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Moses Maimonides was the first medieval Jewish thinker to posit a set of dogmas for Judaism, his ‘Thirteen Principles of Faith’. His statement initiated an extensive discussion among other medieval Jewish thinkers on the subject of dogma, which had an important impact on subsequent Jewish thought. The reaction to Maimonides’ innovation was complex: some scholars accepted his position without reservation; others accepted the idea that Jewish beliefs could be reduced to a creed but disagreed with Maimonides’ formulation; still others rejected the project of creed formulation in Judaism altogether. The locus classicus of this last position is the Rosh Amanah of Isaac Abranavel (1437–1508).

Abravanel’s ostensible aim in writing Rosh Amanah was to defend Maimonides’ creed from the attacks of its critics, notably Hasdai Crescas and Joseph Albo, and it contains the most exhaustive and systematic analysis of the Thirteen Principles ever written. After twenty-two chapters of sustained and zealous defence of Maimonides, however, Abravanel seems to contradict himself, arguing at the end of his book that in fact Judaism has no dogmas whatsoever and that all its beliefs are equally valid, fundamental, and precious.

This is the first complete English translation of Abravanel’s classic work, and includes a comprehensive introduction and notes.

About the Author

Professor Kellner is chair of the Department of Philosophy and Jewish Thought, Shalem College, Jerusalem and Wolfson Professor Emeritus of Jewish Thought, University of Haifa.