Böcker av Kenneth Seeskin

This book examines the Socratic method of elenchus, or refutation. Refutation by its very nature is a conflict, which in the hands of Plato becomes high drama. The continuing conversation in which it occurs is more a test of character than of intellect. Dialogue and Discovery shows that, in his conversations, Socrates seeks to define moral qualities-moral essences-with the goal of improving the soul of the respondent. Ethics underlies epistemology because the discovery of philosophic truth imposes moral demands on the respondent. The recognition that moral qualities such as honesty, humility, and courage are necessary to successful inquiry is the key to the understanding of the Socratic paradox that virtue is knowledge. The dialogues receiving the most emphasis are the Apology, Gorgias, Protagoras, and Meno.

The classic questions Maimonides contemplated in Guide for the Perplexed are addressed here in modern language.

Rethinking the great literary prophets whose ministry ran from the eighth to the sixth centuries BCE-Amos, Hosea, First Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Second Isaiah, and Job-Thinking about the Prophets examines their often-shocking teachings in light of their times, their influence on later thinkers, and their enduring lessons for all of us.

The Bible is an enduring source of inspiration for the human heart and mind, and readers of Thinking about the Torah will be rewarded with an enhanced understanding of this great work's deeper meanings. Drawing on Western philosophy and particularly Jewish philosophy, Kenneth Seeskin delves into ten core biblical verses and the powerful ideas that emerge from them.