Abstract
The paper analyzes the role of philosophy among the Jewish scholars in Prague and Central Eastern Europe in the years ca. 1550-1650. It targets authors who were important proponents of Jewish philosophy and natural sciences (Avraham Horowitz, Moshe Isserles, Mordecai Jaffe), who had an ambivalent attitude toward them (Judah Loew) and those who were their strict opponents (Isaiah Horowitz).
The author concludes that the Jewish philosophy and the study of natural sciences had only limited position within the rabbinic curriculum. However,it was a standard part of the curriculum for many Jewish scholars in the period under scope.
Paradoxically enough, the philosophical discourse and especialy philosophical terminology plays important role even in the works of persuaded enemies of philosophy.