The Unlikely Philosophical Heirs: Moses Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas

When we think of the great philosophers who shaped Western thought, names like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle often come to mind. But amidst these giants of philosophy, there are two figures whose contributions may be lesser-known, yet equally profound: Moses Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas. These two remarkable thinkers emerged from vastly different backgrounds, but their ideas continue to shape our understanding of ethics, religion, and the human condition. In this article, we explore the lives and philosophies of Maimonides and Aquinas, uncovering the ultimate truth they sought to unearth.

The Enigmatic Genius: Moses Maimonides

Step into the 12th century, a time of religious strife and intellectual exploration. Moses Maimonides, born in Cordoba, Spain, was a Jewish philosopher and physician acclaimed for his influential works on law, ethics, and Jewish theology. Maimonides' writings aimed to bridge the gap between reason and faith, drawing upon both Jewish teachings and Greek philosophy. His most renowned work, "The Guide for the Perplexed," tackled the complex interplay between philosophy and religious belief, offering insights into the nature of God, the purpose of religion, and the true path to human fulfillment.

One of Maimonides' key concepts was the belief in a perfectly rational God, beyond human comprehension. He argued that religion should be approached critically and that philosophical inquiry must be pursued alongside religious devotion. Through his work, Maimonides presented a vision of Judaism that encouraged intellectual engagement, laying the foundation for future Jewish philosophers and theologians.

Philo’s Heirs: Moses Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas

by Luis Cortest(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1471 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	199 pages

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But Maimonides' influence extended far beyond Jewish thought. His ideas permeated Islamic philosophy, with Muslim scholars grappling with his works and incorporating his concepts into their own religious and philosophical frameworks. The imprint of Maimonides' rationalism can be seen in the works of Islamic philosophers like Avicenna and Averroes.

The Theological Titan: Thomas Aquinas

In a different corner of the world, a young Italian boy named Thomas Aquinas was destined for greatness. Born in 1225 in the Kingdom of Sicily, Aquinas would go on to become one of the most influential theologians in Christian history. Drawing heavily from Maimonides' ideas, Aquinas sought to reconcile reason and faith within the context of Christianity.

Aquinas believed that reason could be used to explore the natural world and understand the workings of God. He argued that human beings possess both reason and faith, and both are essential for a deep understanding of truth. Aquinas' monumental work, "Summa Theologica," examined various theological questions, exploring topics like the existence of God, the nature of evil, and the purpose of human life.

One of Aquinas' central arguments was the idea that faith and reason should coexist harmoniously. He emphasized that reason can lead us to knowledge about God's existence and attributes, while faith unveils truths that exceed human comprehension. For Aquinas, knowledge gained through reason and faith complemented each other, creating a more comprehensive understanding of the divine.

The Legacy and Relevance Today

The philosophical legacies of Maimonides and Aquinas continue to reverberate through academia, theology, and modern society at large. Their emphasis on intellectual inquiry and reasoned analysis significantly shaped subsequent philosophical and theological thinking. Even in an era of changing beliefs and shifting paradigms, their ideas remain relevant and offer valuable insights into bridging the gaps between faith, reason, and personal fulfillment.

Maimonides and Aquinas remind us that philosophy and theology need not be at odds; rather, they can work in tandem, mutually enriching our understanding of the world and our place in it. Their intellectual pursuits embody a crucial aspect of the human spirit – the desire for knowledge, truth, and a deeper understanding of the divine.

Maimonides and Aquinas, two philosophers from vastly different backgrounds, approached the quest for truth with a shared desire for rational understanding and spiritual fulfillment. Their ideas continue to inspire and challenge us to think critically about our beliefs, inviting us to expand our intellectual horizons beyond the confines of a single tradition or worldview.

In today's complex and ever-changing world, the philosophical legacies of Maimonides and Aquinas serve as beacons of enlightenment, urging us to explore the profound connections between reason, faith, and the discovery of truth.

So let us delve into their works, embrace their intellectual journeys, and allow their wisdom to guide us on our own path to knowledge and enlightenment.

Philo’s Heirs: Moses Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas

by Luis Cortest(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1471 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	199 pages

FREE

The central claim of this book is that Philo of Alexandria’s philosophical method served as the model for the philosophical works of Moses Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas. Moses Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas stand as two pillars in the history of religious philosophy. In their respective religious communities each philosopher is considered the great master who expressed the doctrine of the religious tradition in philosophical terms. One of the most important points established in this book is that both of these thinkers inherited a set of standard philosophical topics (divine attributes, creation ex nihilo, divine providence, etc.) which were first developed as philosophical/religious questions by Philo. In effect, Philo’s philosophical method shaped the history of Western philosophy until the late seventeenth century.