Natural Law in Judaism
Natural Law in Judaism
Looking for an examination copy?
This title is not currently available for examination. However, if you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an examination copy. To register your interest please contact collegesales@cambridge.org providing details of the course you are teaching.
This 1998 book presents a theory of natural law, significant for the study of Judaism, philosophy and comparative ethics. It demonstrates that the assumption that Judaism has no natural law theory to speak of is simply wrong. The book shows how natural law theory, using a variety of different terms for itself throughout the ages, has been a constant element in Jewish thought. The book sorts out the varieties of Jewish natural law theory, illuminating their strengths and weaknesses. It also presents a case for utilizing natural law theory in order to deal with theological and philosophical questions in Judaism's ongoing reflection on its own meaning and its meaning for the wider world. David Novak combines great erudition in the Jewish tradition, the history of philosophy and law, and the imagination to argue for Judaism in the context of current debates, both theoretical and practical.
- The only book to date dealing with this topic explicitly
- Of particular interest to students of philosophy, theology, political theory and jurisprudence, as well as Jewish studies
Reviews & endorsements
"David Novak's own new book, Natural Lae and Judaism...is a large contribution to the dialogue at the `moral border' between Judaism and Christianity." Washington Post Book World
"...elegant..." The Weekly Standard
"It will set the tone for future discussion about natural law in Judaism, as well as about the nature Jewish ethics. Appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses." Religious Studies Review
"While it is clear to me that Judaism and Natural Law, with all its erudition, insight and wisdom, deserves an honoured place in any library of ethics or legal philosophy, the last word has still not been said on the topic, and hopefully we can look forward to yet further cultivation of these topics in Novak's future endeavours." Studies in Religion
"...a rich and thoughtful book that creatively addresses challenges in Jewish thought, religious ethics, and philosophy...Natural Law in Judaism is an important work that will stimulate and reward those who engage its argument." Religious Studies Review
Product details
January 2008Paperback
9780521055680
224 pages
215 × 139 × 12 mm
0.3kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. The challenge of modern secularity
- 2. Scriptural foundations
- 3. Jewish ethics and natural law
- 4. Maimonides' teleology of the law
- 5. Natural law and created nature
- 6. Noahide law and human personhood
- 7. Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index.
