Maimonides, Moses

Maimonides, Moses, Moses b. Maimon, or Rambam (1135–1204). Jewish philosopher and codifier. Maimonides grew up in Cordova, but as a result of persecution, the family eventually moved to Fez in N. Africa after years of wandering. During this period he wrote treatises on the Jewish calendar, logic, and halakhah. In 1168, he completed his commentary on the Mishnah. In 1170–80, he worked on his great code, the Mishneh Torah (The Repetition of the Law, sometimes known as ‘The Strong Hand’). The purpose of this work was ‘so that the entire Oral Law might become systematically known to all’. This codification of the Law was fiercely criticized by such as Abraham b. David of Posquières (see MAIMONIDEAN CONTROVERSY). His great philosophical work, The Guide of the Perplexed (Heb., Moreh Nevukhim) was influenced by Aristotle and the Hellenistic commentators Alexander of Aphrodisias, Themistius, and Averroes, and also by the Muslim philosopher al-Fārābī. The Guide shows ‘the perplexed’ how scripture can be interpreted spiritually as well as literally, and Maimonides aimed to reveal to his readers ‘the science of the Law in its true sense’. To this end, he discussed God, creation, the nature of evil, divine providence, and morality. He also formulated his thirteen principles of the Jewish faith which he believed every Jew was bound to accept. He is also remembered as a significant physician and astronomer.