Philosopher · Medieval
Moses Maimonides
1138–1204 · Jewish Aristotelianism
The greatest rabbinic philosopher; “Rabbi Moses” to St. Thomas, who cites him with respect throughout.
Maimonides codified Jewish law in the Mishneh Torah and, in the Guide for the Perplexed, reconciled Torah and Aristotle: God's existence is demonstrable, His essence unknowable except by negation, creation from nothing is held by faith since neither it nor eternity can be proved, providence follows the measure of intellect, and the commandments have reasons. He taught free will firmly and the immortality of the perfected intellect.
Why he matters: St. Thomas cites him some eighty times: on the negative names of God, on why creation in time cannot be demonstrated (ST I q. 46 a. 2), on prophecy and on the reasons for the ceremonial law; to read Maimonides is to see the raw material of the Summa.
Where to be careful
He denies the Incarnation and the Trinity, as Judaism does; his negative theology goes further than the Church's analogical speech (CCC 39–43; Lateran IV); his providence proportioned to intellect and his impersonal immortality of the acquired intellect fall short of CCC 303 and Lateran V; the Church honors in him what Nostra Aetate 4 honors in Israel.
Reading
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The Guide for the PerplexedMoses Maimonides · Part I chs. 50–60 on the divine names; Part II on creation; Part III on providence and the law.
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Eight Chapters (introduction to Avot)Moses Maimonides · His ethics of the mean and his defense of free will.
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Knowing the Unknowable God: Ibn-Sina, Maimonides, AquinasDavid B. Burrell, CSC · A Catholic philosopher on the three masters together.
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each dispute the test covers.