The Philosophy of Don Hasdai Crescas
New York: Columbia University Press, 1920. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto. XII, 162pp. (3), list of books published by Columbia University Press. Original red cloth with gold lettering and printer's device on spine and front cover. Printer's device on title page. Fascinating work on the life and philosophy of the 14th and early 15th century Jewish scholar Hasdai ben Judah Crescas. Along with Maimonides, Gersonides, and Joseph Albo, Crescas is known as one of the major practitioners of teh rationalist approach in medieval Jewish thought. His positions on issues of natural law and free will in "Or Adonai" can be seen as precursors to those of Spinoza. He criticized Aristotelian philosophy. His attack on Maimonies' notion of "principles of faith" opened about one of the major debates within 15th century Spanish Jewish thought over whether Judaism as specific dogmas. Covers marked. Rear cover creased. Head and tail of spine bumped and rubbed. Corners bumped and frayed, affecting interior leaves. Bookplate on rear endpaper. Endpapers age toned. Overall in fair to good condition. fair. Item #29746
Price: $75.00