Wednesday evenings at 7:45 p.m.

From the Bible through modern thinkers, Judaism has been concerned with obedience to the commandments. However, building upon Biblical and rabbinic ideas, Jewish philosophers between the 12th and 15th centuries, began to explore the cultivation of good character as an important Torah ideal.  Aristotle’s conception of virtue ethics was adopted and adapted by Maimonides who sought to explain how the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of happiness are central to the Torah tradition.

This semester, we will explore philosophical responses to Maimonides, mystical conceptions of virtue, as well as modern and contemporary understandings of the good life. This semester stands on its own and does not require previous attendance. All texts will be presented in English. Participants are encouraged to discuss the ideas presented and to compare/contrast them to their own conceptions of what constitutes a good life.

• June 1  Philosophical Responses to Maimonides 
• June 8  Mystical Visions of the Good Life
• June 15  The Modern Spirit (16th and 17th Centuries)
• June 22  Winds of War and Hope (20th Century)
   

Presented as part of
The Institute for Jewish Learning in memory of Anne and Max Tanenbaum