Maimonides: Faith in Reason

Maimonides, a medieval philosopher, physician, and religious thinker, was a unique figure who fled Córdoba with his family due to Almohad persecution. He was a scholar of Jewish law, physician, and philosopher who translated the Hebrew Bible and Talmud into terms that would allow students to lead sound Jewish lives. His work in medicine was driven by reason and observation and was celebrated by Jews, Arabs, and Christians alike. In our time, when the need for rationality and recognition of the truth is more vital than ever, Maimonides can help us find strategies to survive with dignity in an uncertain world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Maimonides, a renowned medieval philosopher, physician, and religious thinker, is the author of "The Guide of the Perplexed." Born in Córdoba, Spain, in 1138, he was the gifted son of a judge and mathematician. Fleeing persecution by the Almohads, Maimonides and his family spent a decade in Spain before settling in Morocco. He then traveled to Palestine and Egypt, where he passed away at Saladin's court.

Maimonides' diverse talents as a scholar of Jewish law, physician, and philosopher made him a singular figure. His extensive work in extracting commanding precepts from the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud, interpreting and commenting on them, and translating them into terms accessible to students enabled them to lead fulfilling Jewish lives. His medical expertise, gained through reason and observation, earned him fame and made him Saladin's personal physician.

In this biography, Alberto Manguel delves into the question of Maimonides' universal appeal. He was celebrated by Jews, Arabs, and Christians alike, highlighting his significance in different cultural contexts. In our contemporary world, where rationality and the recognition of truth are increasingly vital, Maimonides offers valuable insights and strategies for navigating an uncertain world with dignity.

Maimonides' legacy continues to inspire and influence scholars and thinkers across various disciplines. His profound understanding of religion, philosophy, and medicine has left an indelible mark on the history of thought, and his works continue to be studied and debated to this day. Through his writings, Maimonides provides a roadmap for living a meaningful and ethical life, even in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 210 x 146 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300217896