The unity of metaphysical vision in 'The guide for the Perplexed' : a study in Maimonides' methods of presentation
Maimonidesâ <i>Guide for the Perplexed</i> has generated a wide variety of interpretations. By focusing on some of its central metaphysical arguments, this thesis attempts to show that Maimonides uses different registers of discourse in order to teach according to the readerâs own ability and training. Many of the dialectical features of the <i>Guide</i> are a result of this method of writing. Chapter one explains the background to the issues discussed in the thesis and how they are connected. Chapter two explains Maimonidesâ proofs for Godâs existence, unity and incorpo-reality, since those ideas are crucial to his metaphysics. Chapter three considers Maimonidesâ discussion of creation, in which he employs dialectical arguments. This chapter illustrates Maimonidesâ dialectical methods of presentation and also argues that the truth of his position on creation is asserted on the basis of the Lawâs authority. I argue that dialectical considerations are used as evidence for a coherent worldview which Maimonides presents as the position of the Law. As part of that worldview, the Law also posits knowledge in God. This issue is discussed within the context of Maimonidesâ discussion of divine attributes
Davies, Daniel Ian
The unity of metaphysical vision in 'The guide for the Perplexed' : a study in Maimonides' methods of presentation. Maimonidesâ <i>Guide for the Perplexed</i> has generated a wide variety of interpretations. By focusing on some of its central metaphysical arguments, this thesis attempts to show that Maimonides uses different registers of discourse in order to teach according to the readerâs own ability and training. Many of the dialectical features of the <i>Guide</i> are a result of this method of writing. Chapter one explains the background to the issues discussed in the thesis and how they are connected. Chapter two explains Maimonidesâ proofs for Godâs existence, unity and incorpo-reality, since those ideas are crucial to his metaphysics. Chapter three considers Maimonidesâ discussion of creation, in which he employs dialectical arguments. This chapter illustrates Maimonidesâ dialectical methods of presentation and also argues that the truth of his position on creation is asserted on the basis of the Lawâs authority. I argue that dialectical considerations are used as evidence for a coherent worldview which Maimonides presents as the position of the Law. As part of that worldview, the Law also posits knowledge in God. This issue is discussed within the context of Maimonidesâ discussion of divine attributes
unity metaphysical vision the guide study method presentation guide generate wide_variety interpretation focus central metaphysical argument attempt_show use different register discourse order teach accord reader ability training many dialectical feature guide method writing explain background issue_discuss connect explains proof god existence unity reality since idea crucial metaphysics three_considers discussion creation employ dialectical argument illustrates dialectical method presentation also_argue truth position creation assert basis law authority argue dialectical consideration use evidence coherent worldview present position law part worldview law also posit knowledge_god issue_discuss within_context discussion divine attribute