This book deals primarily with the problem of the one and the many. The problems of creation; of evil; of revelation; and of ethics are all treated as special cases of the general problem of relating the finite to the infinite; the many to the one. The authors focus on the unifying theme of mediation; the means by which the Absolute relates to the here and now. The principal figures studied include Philo; Plotinus; Iamblichus; Isaac Israeli; Avicenna; Ibn Gabirol; Al-Ghazali; Abraham Ibn Daud; Maimonides; Averroes; Albertus Magnus; Aquinas; Gersonides; Nahmanides; Ibn Falaquera; Narboni; Albalag; Leone Ebreo (Judah Abarbanel); and Spinoza; as well as such Kabbalistic thinkers as Bahir; Cordovero; Luria; Moses de Leon; Ya'akov ben Sheshet; Isaac the Blind; Menahem Renanti; Shem Tov ben Shem Tov; Azriel of Gerona; Alemanno; Luzzato; Cordovero; and Abraham Herrera.The authors include David Winston; John Dillon; Carl Mathis; Bernard McGinn; Arthur Hyman; Alfred Ivry; Lenn E. Goodman; Menachem Kellner; David Burrell; Idit Dobbs-Weinstein; David Bleich; Seymour Feldman; Steven Katz; Moshe Idel; David Novak; Hubert Dethier; Richard Popkin; and Robert McLaren. Taken together; these essays offer an impressive historical survey of the ideas; achievements; and philosophic struggles of a group of men who worked to form a unique and durable tradition that bridged the gap between rival confessions and sects--mystics; rationalists; and empiricists; Jews; Christians; and Muslims. This is a philosophic source whose vitality is not yet exhausted.
#3798015 in Books Carroll n Graf 2002-04-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .67 x 5.02 x 8.70l; #File Name: 078670988X208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Review of Fleet Actions During the Napoleonic WarsBy Gene C. ArmisteadThe title is very misleading and should not have been used. The subtitle - "Ships of the Line and Napoleonic Sea Battles" - is accurate and to the point. The thrust is upon the "battleships" or the era with the author concisely and competently explaining the ships; the men that officered and manned them; and the fleet actions. Charts of fleet positions and movements during the principal battles are provided and very helpful. The author's conclusions on the importance and impact of the British ships-of-the-line during the French Revolutionary Napoleonic Wars are well-taken. The book reveals much about this lesser-known aspect of the period.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A first rate introductionBy A. J. BondThis is a book that does pretty much what it says on the cover. The ships are mentioned; sometimes in surprising detail and with the emphasis on first to third rates; along with the seamen's life and living conditions of the period. Major sea battles of the Revolutionary; and Napoleonic wars are also outlined; and comments made on the state of the relevant forces; and contemporary political views. In effect it is a potted history; but excellent as an introduction to the period or for background reference when starting with historical naval fiction.5 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Brief HistoryBy Clive FoucheThis book is short sharp and to the point and yet has a suprising amount of detail. For someone wanting an introduction to this subject this is definatly the book to have as it is easy to read and understand and covers the most exciting period in the age of the sailing navy. A good background book for Jack Aubry; Hornblower and Richard Bolitho readers.
