The Jewish Intellectual Tradition : : A History of Learning and Achievement / / Alan Kadish, Michael A. Shmidman, Simcha Fishbane.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter Academic Studies Press Complete eBook-Package 2020
• VerfasserIn: Kadish, Alan,; Fishbane, Simcha,; Shmidman, Michael A.,
• Place / Publishing House: Boston, MA : : Academic Studies Press, , [2021]; ©2020
• Year of Publication: 2021
• Language: English
• Series: Judaism and Jewish Life
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (400 p.)

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.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- 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 -- Introduction -- 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