Joseph Albo on free choice : exegetical innovation in medieval Jewish philosophy

233 Pages·2017·1.395 MB·English

by  Shira Weiss

Joseph Albo on Free Choice

Joseph Albo
on Free Choice
Exegetical Innovation in Medieval
Jewish Philosophy
z
SHIRA WEISS
1
1
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Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication Data
Names: Weiss, Shira 1978– author.
Title: Joseph Albo on free choice: exegetical innovation in medieval Jewish philosophy /
Shira Weiss.
Description: New York: Oxford University Press, [2017] |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016055379 (print) | LCCN 2016056600 (ebook) |
ISBN 9780190684426 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780190684433 (updf) |
ISBN 9780190684440 (epub) | ISBN 9780190684457 (online content)
Subjects: LCSH: Philosophy, Medieval. | Free will and determinism—B iblical teaching. |
Albo, Joseph, active 15th century. Sefer ha- ‘Iqqarim.
Classification: LCC BM550.A59 W45 2017 (print) |
LCC BM550.A59 (ebook) | DDC 296.3/ 2— dc23
LC record available at https:// lccn.loc.gov/ 2016055379
1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2
Printed by Sheridan Books, Inc., United States of America
For Professor Warren Zev Harvey

Contents
Acknowledgments  ix
1. Introduction  1
2. Medieval Conceptions of Free Choice  42
3. The Binding of Isaac  69
4. The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart  85
5. The Book of Job  114
6. The Choice of Israel  150
7. Responsa  166
8. Conclusion  183
Appendix: Translation of Full Text of Albo’s Responsum  191
Bibliography  195
Scriptural and Rabbinic References  211
Index  215

Acknowledgments
Much of the research for this work was conducted under the guidance
of Professor Warren Zev Harvey, an extraordinary mentor. I am grateful for
his keen insight, graciousness, and generosity. Professor David Shatz and
Professor Arthur Hyman were also instrumental to my research. Their help-
ful comments enriched earlier drafts of this book greatly.
The unconditional support of my parents and sisters has enhanced my work
and everything that I do. I am appreciative of their love and encouragement.
Research for the final chapter of this book has been published previously
in Jewish Quarterly Review.