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The Book of Doctrines and Beliefs

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Book of Doctrines and Beliefs
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Saadya Gaon
Translated by Alexander Altmann
Edited by Daniel H. Frank
SeriesHackett Classics
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:200
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
Category/GenreOriental and Indian philosophy
ISBN/Barcode 9780872206397
ClassificationsDewey:181.06
Audience
General
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Imprint Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Publication Date 15 September 2002
Publication Country United States

Description

Saadya ben Joseph al-Fayyumi (882-942), gaon (head) of the rabbinic academy at Sura and one of the pre-eminent Jewish thinkers of the medieval period, attempted to create a complete statement of Jewish religious philosophy in which all strands of philosophical thought were to be knit into a unified system. In 'The Book of Doctrines and Beliefs', Saadya sought to rescue believers from 'a sea of doubt and the waters of confusion' into which they had been cast by Christianity, Islam, and other faiths. By employing philosophical -- or kalamic -- argumentation to examine and defend traditional Jewish beliefs, Saadya hoped to turn blind faith into conviction based on rational understanding. First published in 1946, and reprinted here without alteration, Alexander Altmann's judicious abridgement of his own translation has remained the standard edition of this influential work. A new Introduction by Daniel Frank sets Saadya's work in its broader historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts.

Author Biography

Saadya Gaon

Reviews

Daniel Frank's Introduction is excellent, not just for the undergraduate reader, but, indeed, for any reader, specialist or layperson. It manages to find just the right combination of philosophy and history; it sends the reader to the right places for further reading; its judgments are quite sound. And the reissue of the Altmann translation is a wonderful idea. --Charles Manekin, University of Maryland