Guiding the Perplexed

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 64: Part 2 Chapters 15&16

In Chapter 15 Rambam explains how Aristotle never proved that the universe was eternal, so creation ex nihilo is at least possible. In 16 he says that as long as creation is possible, one can believe the prophets.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 63: Part 2 Chapter 14

Rambam describes the Aristotelian proofs for the eternity of the universe.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 62: Part 2 Chapter 13

Rambam describes the three ways to understand the creation of the world by the Deity, the Torah way - from nothing, Plato's way - from a primordial substance, and Aristotle's way - it was always there! And of course the fourth view of Epicurus - that there is no Deity at all.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 61: Part 2 Chapter 12

Rambam describes the concept of "overflow" which explains how an incorporeal God gives life and sustains the entire universe. Of course this is only how we as human beings can describe something we are incapable of actually conceiving.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 60: Part 2 Chapter 11

Rambam discusses the confusing inadequacies of medieval astronomy, the fact that the entire universe is important for its own purposes and not just for the end result of mankind, and how it is inconceivable that true science and the Torah are in conflict with each other.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 59: Part 2 Chapters 10b and 11a

Rambam describes the significance of the number four, and how to understand biblical and rabbinic statements in a way that does not conflict with science. In chapter 11, Rambam describes the state of astronomic knowledge and how God rules the world through nature.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 58: Part 2 Chapters 7,8,9 and 10a

Rambam describes the difference between the "free" choice of angels and human beings, whether or not the heavenly spheres make sounds as they move, and various astronomical problems medieval philosophers argued about. Rambam importantly explains to us that in matters of speculation, one should not hold the Rabbis of the Talmud to account if they were wrong regarding matters of science.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 57: Part 2 Chapter 6

Rambam describes that "angels" are actually natural forces of nature. We also bring a "Maimonidean" understanding of Akeidat yitzchak (The Binding of Isaac).

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 56: Part 2 Chapters 4&5

Rambam describes the Aristotelean notion that there are "intellects" or "intelligences" that make the spheres of the universe move. Rambam explains how these intellects are what the prophets and Chazal referred to when they stated that the heavens "praise God". We also discuss how this is relevant in modern times when we no linger understand physics and astronomy and motion the same way Aristotle did.

Guide For the Perplexed, Lecture 55: Part Two, Chapters 1,2, and 3

Rambam describes the Aristotelian proofs for the existence of God, His Unity, and His incorporeality. Rambam begins to teach us how these ideas are reflected in the Torah.