The Open Canon On the Meaning of Halakhic Discourse [Paperback]

In this groundbreaking study Avi Sagi outlines a broad spectrum of answers to important questions presented in Jewish literature, covering theological issues bearing on the meaning of the Torah and of revelation, as well as hermeneutical questions regarding understanding of the halakhic text.?
This is the first volume to attempt to provide a comprehensive map of the available views and theories concerning the theological, hermeneutical, and ontological meaning of dispute as a constitutive element of Halakhah. It offers an attentive reading of the texts and strives to present, clearly and exhaustively, the conscious account of Jewish tradition in general and of halakhic tradition in particular concerning the meaning of halakhic discourse.

Introduction
Part 1: The Monistic Outlook

1. Halakhah Follows Beth Hillel: The Rejected Option in Monism2. Monism: The Valid Decision' Concept3. Monism: Dispute and The Concept Of Revelation

Part 2: The Pluralistic Outlook

4. Revelation and Halakhic Pluralism5. The Limits of Halakhic Pluralism and the Nature of Halakhic Inference6. Halakhah Follows Beth Hillel: The Pluralistic Version

Part 3: The Harmonic Outlook

7. The Union of Opposites8. Reality Knows No Opposites'

Part 4: These And These Are the Words of the Living God - Halakhic Values

9. The Religious Value of the Quest for Truth10. Torah Shall Go Forth Today...that Had Not Gone Forth Yesterday': The Value of Innovation

Part 5: On Dispute And Authority

11. Dispute in Halakhic Culture: Historical Phenomenon or Constitutive Element 12. On Authority and the Duty of Obedience

Index