An Examination of the Singular in Maimonides and Spinoza: Prophecy, Intellect, and Politics 1st Edition

An Examination of the Singular in Maimonides and Spinoza: Prophecy, Intellect, and Politics 1st Edition – Ebook Instant Download/Delivery ISBN(s): 9783030494711,9783030494728,3030494713,3030494721

Product details:

• ISBN 10: 3030494721
• ISBN 13: 9783030494728
• Author: Norman L. Whitman

This book presents an alternative reading of the respective works of Moses Maimonides and Baruch Spinoza. It argues that both thinkers are primarily concerned with the singular perfection of the complete human being rather than with attaining only rational knowledge. Complete perfection of a human being expresses the unique concord of concrete activities, such as ethics, politics, and psychology, with reason. The necessity of concrete historical activities in generating perfection entails that both thinkers are not primarily concerned with an “escape” to a metaphysical realm of transcendent or universal truths via cognition. Instead, both are focused on developing and cultivating individuals’ concrete desires and activities to the potential benefit of all. This book argues that rather than solely focusing on individual enlightenment, both thinkers are primarily concerned with a political life and the improvement of fellow citizens’ capacities. A key theme throughout the text is that both Maimonides and Spinoza realize that an apolitical life undermines individual and social flourishing.

Table contents:

1. Introduction
2. Prophecy and Intuition: Singular Knowledge in Maimonides’ and Spinoza’s Philosophy
3. Out of Many: Prophecy and Sovereign Authority in Maimonides’ and Spinoza’s Politics
4. A Singular Method: A Healing of the Soul and an Emendation of the Intellect
5. The Demand of the Concrete: The Non-Contingency of Language
6. The “Place” of Reason

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