Jewish Ethics - 13899 - JPHI 1204 - F

Abstract

This course will examine the nature, basis and scope of Jewish ethics. Our emphasis will be on determining the extent to which Jewish law interacts with secular ethical principles and reasoning, using classical sources, especially Tanakh, Talmud, Midrash, commentators, medieval.Jewish philosophers, and works of Halakhah, STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES This course is designed to enable you to: • Analyze (a) Hebrew and Aramaic texts that pertain to Jewish ethics—mainly in Tanakh, aggadah, halakhah, parshanut, and philosophy as well as (b) English primary and secondary works relevant to the topics we consider. • Explain: (a) what questions are being addressed in these texts; (b) the views and reasoning found in the texts; and (c) the implications of the views and reasoning. • Explain the reasoning behind various sides in particular mahalokot (disputes). • Explain the relevance of the views we encounter to contemporary times.