The Guide for the Perplexed - Softcover

Moses Maimonides

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486203514 ISBN 13: 9780486203515

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2000

Synopsis

Dive into the depths of medieval philosophy with the timeless classic. Written by the twelfth-century polymath Maimonides, this seminal work seeks to reconcile religious beliefs with philosophical thought, proving as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

This is the complete, unabridged text of one of the greatest philosophical works of all time. Written by a 12th-century thinker who was equally active as an original philosopher and as a Biblical and Talmudic scholar, it is both a classic of great historical importance and a work of living significance today.
The Guide for the Perplexed waswritten for scholars bewildered by the conflict between religion and the scientific and philosophical thought of the day. It is concerned with finding a concord between the religion of the Old Testament and its commentaries and Aristotelian philosophy. After analyzing the ideas of the Old Testament by means of "homonyms," Maimonides examines other reconciliations of religion and philosophy (the Moslem rationalists) and then proposes his own resolution with contemporary Aristotelianism.
The Guide for the Perplexed was immediately recognized as a masterwork, and it strongly influenced Jewish, Christian, and Moslem thought of the Middle Ages. It is necessary reading for any full comprehension of the thought of such scholastics as Aquinas and Scotus and indispensable for everyone interested in the Middle Ages, Judaism, medieval philosophy, or the larger problems that Maimonides discusses.
 

• Philosophical Masterpiece: Experience one of the greatest philosophical works of all time, The Guide for the Perplexed. This work, also known as the Moreh nevukhim, offers profound insights into the harmonization of science, philosophy, and faith rooted in Aristotelian philosophy with the teachings of Judaism.
• Historically Significant: Authored by Moses Maimonides, a preeminent philosopher and scholar, this work is essential for understanding twelfth-century medieval intellectual history. It includes the Life of Maimonides, an analysis of The Guide, and indexes of quotations from Scripture and Talmud.
• Conflict Resolution of Scripture: Specifically tackles contradictory passages in the Hebrew Bible between religion and contemporary scientific and philosophical thought, offering rational explanations for the metaphors and symbolism used.
•  Religion and Philosophy United: Maimonides artfully navigates the concord between Rabbinical Jewish Theology (Old Testament) teachings and Aristotelian philosophy, providing a unique perspective on faith and reason.
• In-depth Analysis: Utilizing "homonyms" to dissect Old Testament ideas, Maimonides identified words that function as terms with multiple meanings, depending on their context. This created a more nuanced understanding of God and bridged the gap between religious teachings and philosophical inquiry.
• Wide-Ranging Influence: Immediately recognized as a groundbreaking work, it has significantly impacted Jewish, Christian, and Islamic thought throughout the Middle Ages.
• Essential Reading: Indispensable for those interested in medieval philosophy, Judaism, or the broader questions Maimonides addresses, enriching the reader's comprehension of influential scholastics like Aquinas and Scotus.

 
Considered a classic of Jewish philosophy and a cornerstone of religious thought, The Guide for the Perplexed is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, philosophy, and the complex questions about God and existence.
 

About this title

From the Back Cover

This is the full, unabridged text of one of the greatest philosophic works of all time. Written by a 12th- century thinker who was equally active as an original philosopher and as a Biblical and Talmudic scholar, it is both a classic of great historical importance and a work of living significance today.
The Guide for the Perplexed was written for scholars who were bewildered by the conflict between religion and the scientific and philosophic thought of the day. It is concerned, basically, with finding a concord between the religion of the Old Testament and its commentaries, and Aristotelian philosophy. After analyzing the ideas of the Old Testament by means of "homonyms," Maimonides examines other reconciliations of religion and philosophy (the Moslem rationalists) and then proposes his own resolution with contemporary Aristotelianism.
The Guide for the Perplexed was at once recognized as a masterwork, and it strongly influenced Jewish, Christian, and Moslem thought of the Middle Ages. It is necessary reading for any full comprehension of the thought of such scholastics as Aquinas and Scotus, and indispensable for everyone interested in the Middle Ages, Judaism, medieval philosophy, or the larger problems which Maimonides discusses.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486203514
• ISBN 13: 9780486203515
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 496