Jewish Responses to the Problem of Evil

Covering the range of Jewish history from the Bible to the present, students will explore the variety of ways in which, confronted by the reality of evil, Jewish tradition has aimed to address and defeat it.  Questions regarding the psychology of evil, the pervasiveness of suffering, and the nature of the human condition will supplement discussions of theodicy. Sources from the Bible, Talmud, medieval literature, and modern philosophy will be included. Teaching methods: Students will be encouraged to discuss and debate selected texts read in advance, analyzed in class, and highlighted by lectures. Means of evaluation: One class presentation and a final research paper are required. Attendance (15%), class participation (15%), class presentation (30%), research paper (40%)