The Book of Proverbs and Virtue Ethics
The Book of Proverbs and Virtue Ethics
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GBPIn this book, Arthur Keefer offers a new interpretation of the book of Proverbs from the standpoint of virtue ethics. Using an innovative method that bridges philosophy and biblical studies, he argues that much of the instruction within Proverbs meets the criteria for moral and theological virtue as set out in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. Keefer presents the moral thought of Proverbs in its social, historical, and theological contexts. He shows how these contexts shed light on the conceptualization of virtue, the virtues that are promoted and omitted, and the characteristics that make Proverbs a distinctive moral tradition. In giving undivided attention to biblical virtue, this volume opens the way for new avenues of study in biblical ethics, including law, narrative, and other aspects of biblical instruction and wisdom.
- Offers a new interpretation of the book of Proverbs from the standpoint of virtue ethics
- Uses an innovative method to compare biblical and philosophical texts, explaining the moral theories of each within their respective socio-historical contexts
- Provides an in-depth and contextual reading of the ethics of the book of Proverbs
Reviews & endorsements
'In this book, Keefer undertakes an ambitious, interdisciplinary study. He seeks both to provide a philosophical interpretation of Proverbs and to make a contribution to moral philosophy … The interdisciplinary nature of this study makes this book worthwhile for students and scholars in various fields of inquiry.' Michael J. DeBoer, Journal of Law and Religion
'The discussion is attractively undogmatic and nuanced, and should be of interest to both biblical specialists and philosophers looking for the roots of Jewish and Christian ethics.' John Barton, Jounal for the Study of the Old Testament
'The discussion is attractively undogmatic and nuanced, and should be of interest to both biblical specialists and philosophers looking for the roots of Jewish and Christian ethics.' John Barton, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
'… Keefer's study will interest those researching the ethical categories and pedagogic strategies of the book of Proverbs and those interested in comparing the moral systems of the ancient Mediterranean basin and its near environs.' Stephen Arden Long, Religious Studies Review
Product details
October 2020Adobe eBook Reader
9781108881074
0 pages
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Tables
- Preface
- Note on texts and translation
- Abbreviations
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Views of virtue in philosophy
- 3. Moral virtues in Proverbs
- 4. Honor, shame, humility and pride
- 5. Courage, work, speech and friendship
- 6. Theological virtues in Proverbs
- 7. Moral agents and the presentation of virtue
- Appendices
- Bibliography
- Index of ancient sources
- Index of authors and topics.
