There is much of interest to scholastics in these lectures which present some of the results of research into the history of Mohammedan thought. They help to give the background to the teaching of men like Avicenna, whose views on philosophy in relation to theology were introduced into important scholastic debates which have continued right down to our own day. The special value of Professor Arberry’s book is mainly in the quotation of apposite texts to illustrate the history which is (...) already well known in outline. (shrink)

Dr. Kohn philosophizes on Obligation, the Good, Moral Freedom, Moral World Order, Retribution and the Faith in Immortality, Morality and Religion. Many of his views appear to be offered as insights or convictions of his own, rather than as conclusions from reasonings which we could criticize step by step. Besides, he does not make any clear distinction between truths attainable by the positive sciences, by other forms of reasoning, and by supernatural revelation. So, this presentation of the philosophical grounds for (...) morality lacks clarity and cogency. However, the lectures on which the work is based were given at the University of Judaism, and they are interesting as an example of speculation which is continually inspired and aided by allusion to the Bible and to rabbinic literature, while earnestly considering the contributions and demands of modern science. (shrink)