5.1 Comparative Study Of Maimonides And Moses Mendelssohn

Question 1

How did Maimonides reconcile Jewish faith with Greek Philosophy

Answer 1

• Maimonides used Aristotelian philosophy to rationalise and explain Jewish theology
• He argued that reason could be used to understand God’s existence and creation, rejecting Greek polytheism and advocating for a monotheistic worldview

Question 2

What contributions did Maimonides Make?

Answer 2

1. Commentary on the Mishnah; explained the Mishnah, offering brief and insightful explanations
2. Sefer Hamitzvot (Book of Commandments); Categorized Jewish Laws, clarifying their relationship to the Torah
3. Mishnah Torah; Created a comprehensive code of Jewish law, systematising the Halakha
4. The Guide for the Perplexed; Harmonized Aristotelian philosophy, addressing conflicts between faith and reason

Question 3

What did The Guide for the Perplexed focus on? - Maimonides

Answer 3

Harmonising Aristotelian philosophy with Jewish theology

Question 4

Maimonides - What did his commentary on the Mishnah include?

Answer 4

• Brief Explanations
• Addressing Ambiguity
• Practical Advice
• Elaborated on Jewish Law
• Fundamental Principles