PHI 250 Chovos Halavavos
Final Exam and Transcript Provided by Davar Academy
PHI 250 is a self-study course whose grade is based solely on the final examination. The course of study that is necessary to be prepared for the final examination consists of lessons based on the readings noted in this syllabus. Students should read the entire text of all the reading assignments. There are no formal assignments, but students are encouraged to take the practice quizzes associated with the readings to ensure that they have gleaned the appropriate knowledge to fulfill the course objectives and are well prepared for the final exam.
This course explores the philosophy of Bahya ben Joseph ibn Paquda, c. 1050–1120. Rabbi Bahya’s system presumes that Jewish faith is a spiritual truth founded on reason, revelation (the written Law), and tradition, with focus on how these foundations impact the willingness and the readiness of the Jewish faithful to practically perform life’s duties. Topics include arguments for God’s existence and unity, God’s attributes, worship, law, divine providence, immortality of the soul, purpose of man, humility, and love of God
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Express how reason and knowledge can be used as proofs of God’s existence.
- Present arguments intended to prove the unity of God as well explain what is meant by the unity of God.
- Discuss the essential attributes of God such as existence, unity, and eternity, and how these attributes differ from those that are derived from God’s activity and oversight in the world.
- Identify the various teleological arguments found in Jewish sources and how they are intended to influence man.
- Discuss various forms of worship and how they are related to the broader philosophical system.
- Identify the sources and reasoning which are the foundation of faith in divine providence, reward and punishment, and man’s duty and purpose to elevate his being.
Duties of the Heart by Bachya ben Joseph ibn Paquda. English translation by Daniel Haberman. New York: Feldheim, 1996. Vol 1-2
The student’s final grade will be based on a final examination. Examination questions will cover all topics covered in the readings. Students will have two hours to complete the final examination. Students will be assigned a number grade from 0-100. A letter grade will also be issued in accordance with the following scale:
90-100 – A
80-89 – B
70-79 – C
0-69 – non passing
