Abstract
At first sight, the question of evil is regarded in the Guide for the Perplexed in a paradoxical manner. Thus, in Guide I, 2, Maimonides examines the notions of good and evil as subjective evaluations possessing neither the rigour not the exactness of the notions of true and false. However, the question of evil occupies an essential place in the Guide , as various modern authors have shown. This question is important to Maimonides because he is, in this respect, the heir of the rabbinic tradition and his conception of evil is largely based on an interaction with the Talmudic and Midrasic texts. Therefore, we would like to review thirty-nine rabbinic ‘quotes’ which appear in chapters 8 to 24 in the third part of the Guide and deal with the origin of evil, the meaning of suffering and the evil inclination. Maimonides reappropriates the midrasim that are susceptible of being in agreement with his rationalist positions and also quotes some rabbinic traditions that are too close to mu tazilism, undoubtedly aware of the more profound resemblance that exists between the rabbinic and mu tazilite doctrines of evil and retribution.
Highlights
El problema del mal en la Guía de Perplejos y su trasfondo talmúdico.— A primera vista, el problema del mal es abordado en la Guía de Perplejos de manera paradójica
The question of evil occupies an essential place in the Guide, as various modern authors have shown. This question is important to Maimonides because he is, in this respect, the heir of the rabbinic tradition and his conception of evil is largely based on an interaction with the Talmudic and Midrašic texts
Maimonides reappropriates the midrašim that are susceptible of being in agreement with his rationalist positions and quotes some rabbinic traditions that are too close to mu tazilism, undoubtedly aware of the more profound resemblance that exists between the rabbinic and mu tazilite doctrines of evil and retribution
Summary
El problema del mal en la Guía de Perplejos y su trasfondo talmúdico.— A primera vista, el problema del mal es abordado en la Guía de Perplejos de manera paradójica.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.