Maimonedes and Negative Theology - A-Level Revision

Introduction

This tutorial provides a structured overview of Maimonides' contributions to negative theology, a critical aspect of Jewish philosophy that emphasizes what we cannot say about God rather than what we can. Understanding these concepts is essential for A-Level students studying philosophy or theology, as it helps frame discussions about the nature of the divine and religious belief.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Negative Theology

Negative theology, also known as apophatic theology, focuses on describing God by negation. This means:

• Defining God through what He is not: Instead of using positive attributes (like good or powerful), negative theology asserts that these terms fall short of truly capturing the divine essence.
• Key Figures: Maimonides is one of the most significant proponents of this approach. Familiarize yourself with his works, particularly "The Guide for the Perplexed."

Practical Advice

• Read excerpts from "The Guide for the Perplexed" to see Maimonides' arguments in context.
• Reflect on why understanding God through negation might be more meaningful in certain philosophical discussions.

Step 2: Explore Maimonides' Philosophical Context

To fully grasp Maimonides' views, it's important to consider the historical and philosophical context in which he wrote:

• Influence of Greek Philosophy: Maimonides was influenced by Aristotle and Neoplatonism, which emphasized rational understanding of the universe.
• Jewish Mystical Traditions: Contrast Maimonides’ rational approach with the mystical traditions that focus on personal experience of God.

Practical Advice

• Compare Maimonides’ views with those of other Jewish thinkers from the same period.
• Engage with secondary literature that discusses the intersection of Jewish thought and Greek philosophy.

Step 3: Analyze Key Concepts in Maimonides' Negative Theology

Maimonides introduces several critical concepts:

• The Incomprehensibility of God: He argues that human language is inadequate to describe God’s true nature.
• Emanation vs. Creation: Understand the difference between God creating the world ex nihilo (out of nothing) versus emanating the world from Himself.

Practical Advice

• Create a chart comparing Maimonides’ ideas with other theological perspectives on God's nature.
• Discuss these concepts in study groups to deepen your understanding and explore different interpretations.

Step 4: Evaluate the Implications of Negative Theology

Consider what negative theology means for faith and practice:

• Faith and Reason: Explore how Maimonides reconciles faith with human reason.
• Prayer and Worship: Reflect on how negative theology impacts Jewish practices related to prayer and worship.

Practical Advice

• Write a short essay discussing the implications of negative theology on contemporary faith practices.
• Engage with peer discussions to challenge and refine your own views.

Conclusion

Maimonides' negative theology offers profound insights into the nature of God and the limitations of human understanding. By exploring the basics, historical context, key concepts, and implications of his philosophy, you can develop a well-rounded perspective that enhances your A-Level studies in philosophy and theology. As a next step, consider delving deeper into related philosophical texts and engaging in debates about the nature of the divine.