Stage 3 · Moses Maimonides (1138–1204)

Moreh Nevukhim: Part II, Chapter 3 — Aristotle's Theory of the Separate Intelligences

דלאלהֵ אלחאירין — The Guide of the Perplexed

Aristotle's theory that Separate Intelligences cause the motion of the spheres is undemonstrated, Maimonides acknowledges — yet it is the least objectionable and the most systematic of all available theories, as Alexander of Aphrodisias himself concedes. More importantly, it closely tracks the language of the Torah and the authentic Midrashim about angels. Maimonides will therefore cite Aristotle's views and proofs, gathering from them whatever harmonizes with Scripture and the Sages.

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Part Two · Chapter Three — Aristotle's Theory of the Separate Intelligences

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THE theory of Aristotle in respect to the causes of the motion of the spheres led him to assume the existence of Intelligences. Although this theory consists of assertions which cannot be proved, yet it is the least open to doubt, and is more systematic than any other, as has been stated by Alexander in the book called The Origin of the Universe. It includes maxims which are identical with those taught in Scripture, and it is to a still greater extent in harmony with doctrines contained in well-known genuine Midrashim, as will be explained by me. For this reason I will cite his views and his proofs, and collect from them what coincides with the teachings of Scripture, and agrees with the doctrine held by our Sages.

English is a working draft — alignment is sentence-by-sentence.

Scripture cited in this chapter