Joshua Parens on Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed

About this episode

Josh Parens discusses his interpretation of Maimonides's work and its implications for law and philosophy.

Josh Parens joins Alex and Greg to discuss his recently released book, Maimonides's Guide on Obstacles to Knowledge, Being, and Action . Parens elaborates on a bold interpretation of Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed that highlights how the philosopher uses "obstacles" to structure his defense of law, prophecy, and providence. This episode delves into Parens' middle-ground reading, reframing skeptical and dogmatic extremes as intentionally vague limits that safeguard both revelation and philosophical reason.

People in this episode

Hosts: Alex, Greg

Guest: Josh Parens

Topics covered

• Maimonides
• philosophy
• law
• prophecy
• knowledge
• interpretation

Keywords

• Maimonides
• Guide of the Perplexed
• obstacles to knowledge
• philosophical reason
• law
• prophecy
• interpretation

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Maimonides's Guide on Obstacles to Knowledge, Being, and Action, Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed

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