Gideon Freudenthal Book order

Gideon Freudenthal presents a fresh interpretation of Moses Mendelssohn's philosophy, particularly his semiotic approach to idolatry as explored in his works "Jerusalem" and his biblical commentary. By arguing that both idolatry and enlightenment are integral to religion, Freudenthal positions Mendelssohn as a profound thinker rather than a mere rationalist. He emphasizes that Judaism uniquely balances transient ceremonies and symbols, fostering a genuine religious experience while avoiding fetishism. The book also contrasts Mendelssohn's ideas with those of his critic, Salomon Maimon, making it a significant contribution to Mendelssohn studies.

Focusing on the evolution of scientific thought, this book explores the shift from Renaissance engineering and philosophy to classical mechanics, emphasizing the role of velocity. It highlights the contributions of figures like Descartes and Galileo, who grappled with essential concepts that laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, often without fully recognizing their significance. The authors argue that this transformation was neither a simple progression nor a sudden upheaval, but rather a complex process of pushing the boundaries of the existing Aristotelian framework.