University of Chicago Works of the Mind Lecture Series

An Introduction to Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed

The Guide of the Perplexed (completed by 1191) by Moses Maimonides (b. 1138, Córdoba, Islamic Spain; d. 1204, Fustat, Egypt) is the most influential book in the history of Jewish thought. It is also the most difficult—a complex work of philosophy, theology, and biblical interpretation that defies easy classification or explanation. This lecture will introduce the Guide in general then briefly explore the different ways it has been interpreted, criticized, and appropriated throughout the centuries.

Presented by

James T. Robinson, Caroline E. Haskell Professor of the History of Judaism, Islamic Studies, and the History of Religions; also in the Program on Medieval Studies, Religious Studies, Fundamentals: Texts and Issues, and the Joyce Z. and Jacob Greenberg Center for Jewish Studies; Associate Faculty in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations

FREE; Space is limited; registration is recommended. Register

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