1st Edition

An Analysis of Moses Maimonides's Guide for the Perplexed

By Mark Scarlata Copyright 2018
    96 Pages
    by Macat Library

    96 Pages
    by Macat Library

    Written by the great medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides, The Guide of the Perplexed attempts to explain the perplexities of biblical language—and apparent inconsistencies in the text—in the light of philosophy and scientific reason. 

    Composed as a letter to a student, The Guide aims to harmonize Aristotelian principles with the Hebrew Bible and argues that God must be understood as both unified and incorporeal. Engaging both contemporary and ancient scholars, Maimonides fluidly moves from cosmology to the problem of evil to the end goal of human happiness. His intellectual breadth and openness makes The Guide a lasting model of creative synthesis in biblical studies and philosophical theology.

    Ways in to the Text 

    Who was Moses Maimonides? 

    What does Guide of the Perplexed Say? 

    Why does Guide of the Perplexed Matter? 

    Section 1: Influences 

    Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context 

    Module 2: Academic Context 

    Module 3: The Problem  

    Module 4: The Author's Contribution 

    Section 2: Ideas 

    Module 5: Main Ideas 

    Module 6: Secondary Ideas 

    Module 7: Achievement 

    Module 8: Place in the Author's Work 

    Section 3: Impact 

    Module 9: The First Responses 

    Module 10: The Evolving Debate 

    Module 11: Impact and Influence Today 

    Module 12: Where Next? 

    Glossary of Terms 

    People Mentioned in the Text 

    Works Cited

    Biography

    Mark Scarlata received an MA from Yale Divinity School and completed his doctoral dissertation at Cambridge University. He is currently lecturer in Old Testament Studies at St. Mellitus College, London. The Revd. Dr. Scarlata specializes in Hebrew Bible, ancient Near Eastern, and Judaic studies.