Fackenheim's Jewish Philosophy

"No one knows Fackenheim or his work as thoroughly as Morgan, and no one has published a systematic discussion of Fackenheim's thought with this degree of philosophic sophistication. Fackenheim's Jewish Philosophy will become the source for anyone wanting to engage with the totality of Fackenheim's thought." -- Kenneth Seeskin, Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University "Fackenheim's Jewish Philosophy is a book which shows why Fackenheim should be remembered, and why his issues should also be ours. The care that Morgan shows in his reading, and for his readers, is exemplary." -- Martin Kavka, Philip and Muriel Berman Chair in Jewish Studies, Lehigh University

Fackenheim’s Jewish Philosophy explores the most important themes of Fackenheim’s philosophical and religious thought and how these remained central, if not always in immutable ways, over his entire career.

Emil L. Fackenheim, one of the most significant Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century, is best known for his deep and rich engagement with the implications of the Nazi Holocaust on Jewish thought, Christian theology, and philosophy. However, his career as a philosopher and theologian began two decades prior to his first efforts to confront that horrific event. In this book, renowned Fackenheim expert Michael L. Morgan offers the first examination of the full scope of Fackenheim’s 60-year career, beyond simply his work on the Holocaust.

Fackenheim’s Jewish Philosophy explores the most important themes of Fackenheim’s philosophical and religious thought and how these remained central, if not always in immutable ways, over his entire career. Morgan also provides insight into Fackenheim’s indebtedness to Kant, Hegel, and rabbinic midrash, as well as the changing character of his philosophical “voice.” The work concludes with a chapter evaluating Fackenheim’s legacy for present and future Jewish philosophy and philosophy more generally.