JDS 385LEC—The Guide of the Perplexed and the Meaning of Life

Moses Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed is one of the most important philosophical and theological works of the Jewish Middle Ages. It examines the conflict between the Hebrew Bible and Greek philosophy, without dismissing either. By means of careful reading, explanation and discussion, this course reviews its central topics, important for Islamic, Jewish and Christian self-understanding, such as: the nature of God and prophecy; the meaning of providence, theodicy and evil; the pursuit of wisdom and human perfection; and how to interpret Sacred Scripture. The eminent Maimonides scholar Isadore Twersky observed that although religious rationalism did not begin with Maimonides, it came to be totally identified with him. His thought continues to be influential and controversial to today. This course is the same as RSP 384 , and course repeat rules will apply.