ABSTRACT
“Maimonides wants to raise the reader from imaginary and superstitious beliefs that cause fear to a rational consciousness that brings equanimity. The reward is a new vision of the world, intellectual serenity, self-transformation, and spiritual conversion. “Maimonides wants to raise the reader from imaginary and superstitious beliefs that cause fear to a rational consciousness that brings equanimity. The reward is a new vision of the world, intellectual serenity, selftransformation, and spiritual conversion. Maimonides engaged with Jewish rabbinic tradition and Islamic thinkers. It is likely that his naturalistic views on prophecy were influenced by al-Farabi, who emphasized the political role of the prophet and argued that revelation is consistent with philosophy. Maimonides has been simultaneously praised and criticized for his philosophical approach to the Bible. Possibly the most controversial stance he takes within the Jewish religion is the priority he gives to the intellect—especially in relation to prophecy—over traditional study of the law.
