History of Medieval Jewish Philosophy Lm
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide a general overview of the history of medieval Jewish philosophy, with particular attention to the main authors, works, and their sources.
The course aims to convey un understanding of the history of philosophy that includes knowledge in languages other than Latin, which - through the translations movement - played an important role in the dissemination of philosophy and science in Europe, thus constituting an integral part of the history of Western philosophy.
The course aims to convey un understanding of the history of philosophy that includes knowledge in languages other than Latin, which - through the translations movement - played an important role in the dissemination of philosophy and science in Europe, thus constituting an integral part of the history of Western philosophy.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Present the fundamental notions of Jewish religion, theology, and culture;
- Illustrate the main problems and themes of medieval Jewish philosophy, as well as introduce the major authors and their works;
- Reconstruct the knowledge transmission, from Greek philosophy and science to Arabic philosophy, and to medieval Jewish and Latin thought;
- Understand the specific philosophical vocabulary through direct reading of texts in translation;
- Develop competence in critically reading, understanding, and contextualizing philosophical sources;
- Describe the methodological tools for historiographical research.
Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding:
By the end of the course, the student will have acquired:
- the ability to navigate historically and conceptually within the main currents of medieval Jewish philosophy;
- mastery of the philosophical vocabulary acquired through direct reading of texts;
- the competence to navigate the development of philosophical thought among different cultures and languages;
- the ability to read a classical philosophical text critically;
- the skill to communicate in a conceptually organized manner what has been learned.
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Present the fundamental notions of Jewish religion, theology, and culture;
- Illustrate the main problems and themes of medieval Jewish philosophy, as well as introduce the major authors and their works;
- Reconstruct the knowledge transmission, from Greek philosophy and science to Arabic philosophy, and to medieval Jewish and Latin thought;
- Understand the specific philosophical vocabulary through direct reading of texts in translation;
- Develop competence in critically reading, understanding, and contextualizing philosophical sources;
- Describe the methodological tools for historiographical research.
Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding:
By the end of the course, the student will have acquired:
- the ability to navigate historically and conceptually within the main currents of medieval Jewish philosophy;
- mastery of the philosophical vocabulary acquired through direct reading of texts;
- the competence to navigate the development of philosophical thought among different cultures and languages;
- the ability to read a classical philosophical text critically;
- the skill to communicate in a conceptually organized manner what has been learned.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Moses Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed, one of the most renowned works of medieval philosophical and theological thought, stands at the crossroads of Greek philosophy, Arab-Islamic thought, and Jewish tradition. The course aims to analyze this text in detail, addressing the major philosophical and theological issues explored by Maimonides: the relationship between reason and revelation, divine providence, the creation of the world, prophecy, law, and the allegorical interpretation of sacred texts.
The course will explore the following themes through a close reading and commentary on selected chapters from the Guide for the Perplexed:
- The historical context of Muslim Andalusia and the role of Greek and Arab sources in shaping Maimonides' thought.
- The structure and purpose of the Guide for the Perplexed, with particular focus on Maimonides' approach to Aristotelian philosophy and science.
- The apparent conflict between reason and revelation, and the allegorical interpretation of the Bible.
- The impossibility of knowing the true divine essence and the denial of divine attributes.
- The debate on the creation and eternity of the world, in dialogue with Aristotle.
- The nature of prophecy and the prophet as an ethical model.
- Divine providence and human free will.
- The meaning and function of Mosaic laws.
- The perfection of the soul and ethics.
- The reception of the Guide for the Perplexed.
The course will explore the following themes through a close reading and commentary on selected chapters from the Guide for the Perplexed:
- The historical context of Muslim Andalusia and the role of Greek and Arab sources in shaping Maimonides' thought.
- The structure and purpose of the Guide for the Perplexed, with particular focus on Maimonides' approach to Aristotelian philosophy and science.
- The apparent conflict between reason and revelation, and the allegorical interpretation of the Bible.
- The impossibility of knowing the true divine essence and the denial of divine attributes.
- The debate on the creation and eternity of the world, in dialogue with Aristotle.
- The nature of prophecy and the prophet as an ethical model.
- Divine providence and human free will.
- The meaning and function of Mosaic laws.
- The perfection of the soul and ethics.
- The reception of the Guide for the Perplexed.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites.
Teaching methods
Lectures, debates, group reading, and commentary on the text.
Teaching Resources
For both 6 and 9 ECTS credits:
- Moses Maimonides, La guida dei perplessi, a cura di M. Zonta, UTET, Torino, 2013 (selected chapters).
- M. Zonta, Maimonide, Carocci, Roma, 2011.
For 9 ECTS credits:
- A. Ivry, Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed. A Philosophical Guide, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2016 (selected chapters, available on Myariel)
For students unfamiliar with Judaism, the following is recommended:
- P. Stefani, Introduzione all'ebraismo, Queriniana, 1995 (and reprints)
- Moses Maimonides, La guida dei perplessi, a cura di M. Zonta, UTET, Torino, 2013 (selected chapters).
- M. Zonta, Maimonide, Carocci, Roma, 2011.
For 9 ECTS credits:
- A. Ivry, Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed. A Philosophical Guide, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2016 (selected chapters, available on Myariel)
For students unfamiliar with Judaism, the following is recommended:
- P. Stefani, Introduzione all'ebraismo, Queriniana, 1995 (and reprints)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an oral exam (about 30 minutes). Grading system is in thirtieths (18 being the minimum grade required to pass the exam).
During the exam, the following aspects will be assessed:
- Familiarity with the critical analysis of the Guide for the Perplexed and its main themes
- Ability to understand concepts and arguments
- Skill to communicate acquired knowledge in a conceptually organized manner
- Critical reading and historical-theoretical contextualization of philosophical texts through the commentary of one or more passages discussed in class
- Appropriate use of philosophical terminology
During the exam, the following aspects will be assessed:
- Familiarity with the critical analysis of the Guide for the Perplexed and its main themes
- Ability to understand concepts and arguments
- Skill to communicate acquired knowledge in a conceptually organized manner
- Critical reading and historical-theoretical contextualization of philosophical texts through the commentary of one or more passages discussed in class
- Appropriate use of philosophical terminology
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours