Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In this volume, noted philosopher Lenn E. Goodman provides a philosophical overview of Maimonides' medieval masterwork of Jewish thought, The Guide to the Perplexed. This Guide to the Guide provides deep insights into Maimonides' life and work and situates his philosophy within the broader context of Islamic thought. Goodman explains the major themes of the Guide to the Perplexed and also considers the influence Maimonides' work has continued to have within the field of philosophy, in particular the debate between Straussian interpretations of Maimonides and conflicting philosophical views. This volume represents Goodman's definitive contribution to the field of Maimonides scholarship and will be required reading for scholars of Jewish and Islamic philosophy.
Synopsis
In this volume, noted philosopher Lenn E. Goodman shares the insights gained over a lifetime of pondering the meaning and purpose of Maimonides' celebrated Guide to the Perplexed. Written in the late twelfthcentury, Maimonides' Guideaims to help religiously committed readers who are alive to the challenges posed by reason and the natural sciences to biblical and rabbinic tradition. Keyed to the new translation and commentary by Lenn E. Goodman and Phillip I. Lieberman, this volume follows Maimonides' life and learning and delves into the text of theGuide, clearly explaining just what Maimonides means by identifying the TalmudicMa'aseh BereshitandMa'aseh Merkavahwith physics and metaphysics (to Maimonides, biblical cosmology and theology).Exploring Maimonides' treatments of revelation, religious practice and experience, law and ritual, the problem of evil, and the rational purposes of the commandments, this guide to theGuideexplains the tactics Maimonides deployed to ensure that readers not get in over their heads when venturing into philosophical deep waters.