the double path of the mystic and the rationalist /
by Gyongyi (Ginger) Hegedus.
x, 246 pages
Études sur le Judaïsme médiéval,
58
0169-815X ;
Includes bibliographical references and index.
"In 'Saadya Gaon: The Double Path of the Mystic and the Rationalist' Gyongyi Hegedus offers a new perspective on the thought of the most significant medieval Jewish thinker of the pre-Maimonidean era, Saadya Gaon. Saadya's important philosophical works belong to two distinct traditions: his main work is written in the style of rationalist theology (kalam), but he is also responsible for composing a commentary in a neo-Pythagorean tone. In addition to contextualizing the two traditions and analyzing their Islamic parallels, the book makes the argument that Saadya consciously constructed a two-layered model of thought and harmonized two styles: one based on sensation and logic, the other on a specific prophetic insight." -- provided by publisher.