The Rehabilitation of Philosophy via Hermeneutics. Maimonides’ Diverging Scriptural Evidence Regarding the Quest for the Rationale of the Commandments

Abstract

This article focuses on one of the central issues in Moses Maimonides’ Jewish philosophy: the quest for the rationale of the commandments. Maimonides regards this quest as religiously obligatory. However, on two occasions he points to diverging scriptural evidence to underline his claim. By juxtaposing the two different scriptural proofs adduced by Maimonides, his use of hermeneutics in the service of philosophy is exposed in the inner precincts of Judaism: in regard to Judaism’s particularistic law. In terms of spiritual leadership, Maimonides’ dual scriptural approach enables him to bring his philosophical message home to different audiences.