How to Measure a World?

An introductory study that will have enormous appeal for both students and non-specialist general readers, How to Measure a World?: A Philosophy of Judaism is as informative as it is thought-provoking, and very highly recommended

(Midwest Book Review)

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to not only modern Jewish studies, but also the broader field of continental philosophy of religion. With a clear mastery of his sources, Shuster carefully weaves his thesis through deeply complicated figures in a way that is both artful and textually sound.

- Josiah Solis (Reading Religion)

One also has to be impressed with the wealth of learning Shuster brings to bear in developing this theme. In addition to Maimonides, Adorno, Benjamin, and Levinas, there are discussions of Kant, Hegel, Marx, Wittgenstein, and Heidegger. In an academic climate that has become increasingly specialized, it is rare for someone to master this much material and present it so gracefully

- Kenneth Seeskin - Northwestern University (AJS Review)

Both historical and constructive in character, Shuster's work prodigiously works with many of the original languages necessary for the claims it makes (Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, German) as well as stages substantive conversations between supporting thinkers in its chapters (al-Ghazali, Heidegger, Aristotle, Hegel, Marx, Lukacs, and Davidson).

- Jeffrey Bernstein, College of the Holy Cross (Shofar)

Martin Shuster's brilliant new book, How to Measure a World? A Philosophy of Judaism, oscillates between the experience of human suffering in the given world and the quest for metaphysical and moral knowledge required to transcend it."

- Asaf Angerman (Journal of the American Academy of Religion)

The connections that Shuster draws between Maimonides and the phenomenological tradition are ingenious, and worth the price of admission to the book. In my estimation, the originality and cleverness of the reading justifies itself  How to Measure a World? is a provocative and innovative work about (of?) contemporary Jewish thought.

- Samuel Brody

Martin Shuster's brilliant new book, How to Measure a World? A Philosophy of Judaism, oscillates between these two poles, between the experience of human suffering in the given world and the quest for metaphysical and moral knowledge required to transcend it. In pushing boundaries and expanding the scope of a philosophy of Judaism by including an impressive variety of voices and perspectives, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, Shuster's book adds a valuable dimension of inclusivity and, true to a Jewish dialogical tradition, advances an important dialogue.

- Asaf Angermann - University of Louisville (Journal of the American Academy of Relig