An important easy to read philosophical book |
Albo: Collected Writings, edited by Shira Weiss, is an important and welcome contribution to the study of medieval Jewish philosophy, making the thought of the Spaniard Joseph Albo (1380-1444) newly accessible to contemporary readers. Bringing together a full presentation of Sefer ha-Ikkarim along with Albo’s lesser-known responsum, this volume offers both breadth and depth, illuminating a thinker often overshadowed by figures like Maimonides (1138-1204) and his own teacher, Hasdai Crescas (1340-1410/11). The book is 1753 pages long, and contains the original Hebrew on the left-hand pages and an easy-to-read modern English translation on the right.
Albo’s approach to Judaism diverged from Maimonides ‘ emphasis on rationalism. He was influenced by his teacher, Hasdai Crescas, who emphasized faith and the observance of mitzvot (divine commands), an easier form of Judaism than the rigors of Maimonides’ rationalism.
At the heart of the........