Aquinas Borrowed This Jewish Scholar’s Ideas — And You Probably Never Heard Of Him
(REVIEW) You’ve probably heard of Thomas Aquinas, a prominent medieval scholar who combined Christian theology and Greek philosophy.
However, you may not be familiar with the renowned Jewish scholar Moses Maimonides, whose ideas significantly influenced Aquinas’s thought.
In the new book, “Moses Maimonides: A Very Short Introduction,” Ross Brann, a professor of Jewish Studies at Cornell University, introduces Maimonides to a new generation.
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Maimonides, also known as Rambam, was a Jewish philosopher, rabbinic scholar and renowned physician in the medieval Islamic kingdoms, which are now part of modern-day Spain. His life was marked by rigorous education, persecution, exile, and a commitment to serving both kings and the people.
Maimonides played a crucial role in helping his Jewish diasporic community survive the hardships of the Almohad Caliphate, which forced Jews to choose between converting to Islam, relocating, or death.
Maimonides died in 1204, two decades before the birth of Aquinas. He left behind significant works that have had a lasting impact on human life, including important texts on medicine, philosophy, and religious thought. Among his notable contributions are the “Mishneh Torah,” a comprehensive series on Jewish law and “The Guide for the Perplexed,” a philosophical work that seeks to reconcile the Hebrew Bible with rational Greek philosophy.
During the Middle Ages, some rabbinic traditions viewed religious understanding as distinct from pagan thought, which included Greek interpretations of the world. Brann suggests that with the in-depth understanding of Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle, and Andalusian Jewish scholars, Maimonides views the purpose of Torah, science, and philosophy as unified in fulfilling human life and enlightening individuals.
To him, both religion and scientific-philosophical thinking are complementary to each other. Maimonides begins with the premise that God cannot be defined by physical power as humans understand it, since God is not limited to Himself. God, in the divine sense, embodies wisdom and infinite intelligence, suggesting that one can know God through an understanding of the divine. This concept explains why the pursuit of scientific knowledge can lead to a deeper understanding of God.
Although he acknowledged that science is a means to fulfill faith and deepen our understanding of God, he cautioned against the dangers of using knowledge for selfish ends. The pursuit of knowledge should focus on discovering God, rather than on human material interests, as this can lead to idolatry. The teachings of Maimonides remind readers of the importance of a God-centered approach in intellectual activities. This perspective shapes the objectives and methods of academia today, where secularism is widespread.
Today, we have public intellectuals who share knowledge with the general public. Maimonides served as a precursor of this role. He not only wrote for the public but also took action to improve their lives, especially in terms of health. Maimonides was a passionate teacher who welcomed everyone who came to him seeking lessons or advice. He taught his students and disciples wholeheartedly because he believed that everyone could be encouraged to learn.
The most significant aspect of Maimonides’ character is his compassion. As a physician, he demonstrated empathy for all his patients, treating both nobles and the poor alike. He did not let socioeconomic status influence his commitment to providing care; his goal was to heal everyone. However, his compassion extended beyond physical ailments to encompass concerns for moral and ethical virtues. Maimonides emphasized that the treatment of the body should also involve the care of the soul.
As a community leader, he demonstrated empathy for his Jewish compatriots who were suffering due to Almohad persecution. In a letter, he reminded his people of Jewish traditions and the Hebrew Bible, encouraging them to remain resilient in their faith through education.
“Moses Maimonides: A Very Short Introduction” is a concise autobiography, as its title suggests. Although there are a few pieces of information that may confuse non-academic readers, Brann's easy-to-read storytelling lets you see an intellectual who not only teaches us about the compatibility of the divine and science but also shows compassion for our suffering, helping us and encouraging us to persevere through tough times.
Today, Maimonides’ teachings serve not only as classics for scholars but also as a guiding compass for community leaders aiming to assist marginalized groups through education and development projects.
Thien Bui is a Vietnamese writer who specializes in the history and religions of Southeast Asia.