Judaic Philosophy and Ethics - Davar Academy
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Varies – self study.
May 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: express knowledge of the ethical, philosophical, and practical issues involved in interpersonal communications; describe the conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships; assess various types of communication, language, and situations and determine the appropriate ethical response for all parties involved; discuss the theory and reasoning underlying the practical ethics of speaking ethically and avoiding lashon hara; identify and assess the necessary conditions for speaking about other people in theory and application; identify the sources and reasoning which at the foundation of ethical communication.
This course explores the ethical and moral issues involved in communication. Students are expected to know the sources, conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships. Topics include libel, slander, rebuke, innuendo, the Biblical sources for ethical communication, the problem of listening to disparaging speech, repercussions for unethical speech, speaking about others in the workplace, speaking in front of a person, speaking behind a person’s back, and more.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Linguistics (3/22).
Varies – self study.
May 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: express knowledge of the ethical, philosophical, and practical issues involved in interpersonal communications; describe the conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships; assess various types of communication, language, and situations and determine the appropriate ethical response for all parties involved; discuss the theory and reasoning underlying the practical ethics of speaking ethically and avoiding lashon hara; identify and assess the necessary conditions for speaking about other people in theory and application; identify the sources and reasoning which at the foundation of ethical communication.
This course explores the ethical and moral issues involved in communication. Students are expected to know the sources, conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships. Topics include gossip, white lies, libel, slander, rebuke, deprecating speech for a positive purpose, quitting a job and other common scenarios and present-day situations.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Linguistics (3/22).
Varies – self study.
May 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate in-depth understanding of Jewish ethics as presented in the Mishna of Pirkei Avos and its commentaries; demonstrate a grasp of how ethical behavior is derived from the words of the sages. analyze the axioms of the sages; explain underlying premises which build the foundation of the Jewish ethical system; identify the sources of upon which the sages base their axioms; assess practical situations and apply the appropriate ethical axioms of the sages.
This course explores the major theories of Jewish ethical behavior, their sources, underlying premises, and how those theories are applied to Jewish law and practice. Specific topics include free will and determinism, the meaning of “good” and “evil”, morality and justice, guarding the commandments, giving rebuke, moral sentiments and obligations towards G-d and others, individual responsibility, acts of kindness and charity, repentance and others.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy (3/22).
Varies – self study.
May 2022 - Present.
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.
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.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy (3/22).
