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The Book of Doctrines and Beliefs
Paperback / softback
Main Details
Title |
The Book of Doctrines and Beliefs
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Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Saadya Gaon
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Translated by Alexander Altmann
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Edited by Daniel H. Frank
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Series | Hackett Classics |
Physical Properties |
Format:Paperback / softback | Pages:200 | Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140 |
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Category/Genre | Oriental and Indian philosophy |
ISBN/Barcode |
9780872206397
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Classifications | Dewey:181.06 |
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Audience | General | Tertiary Education (US: College) | Professional & Vocational | |
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Publishing Details |
Publisher |
Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
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Imprint |
Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
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Publication Date |
15 September 2002 |
Publication Country |
United States
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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
ReviewsDaniel 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
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