Abstract
The article examines Maimonides' approach towards magic and experimental science according to systematical and historical perspectives. Three main theses are suggested: 1. Maimonides distinguished among various levels of magic, i.e. between primitive magic and a learned form. Maimonides found a special challenge in removing the scientific cloak from learned magic. 2. Maimonides distinguished both substantively and halakhically between two areas potentially related to magic: astral magic and the doctrine of properties (segulot) based upon experimental science. 3. These distinctions were not clear to R. Solomon b. Adret (Rashba), leading to the objections and astonishment he expressed in his famous responsum on the subject. The article concludes with a description of the phenomenon of the assertation by rationalists in the 14th century that Maimonides was an adherent of magical activities.
| Translated title of the contribution | Magic, Experimental Science and Scientific Method in Maimonides' Teachings |
|---|---|
| Original language | Hebrew |
| Pages (from-to) | 25-45 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | מחקרי ירושלים במחשבת ישראל |
| Volume | 14 |
| State | Published - 1998 |
IHP Publications
- ihp
- Jewish astrology
- Jewish philosophy -- Middle Ages, 500-1500
- Judaism and science
- Maimonides, Moses -- 1135-1204
- Witchcraft
- יהדות ואסטרולוגיה
- יהדות ומדע
- כישוף
- משה בן מימון -- 1138-1204
- פילוסופיה יהודית של ימי הביניים