Yehuda Halper

Yehudah Halper, a leading scholar in Jewish philosophy, dives into his latest work on Averroes, a 12th-century thinker. He discusses Averroes' unique approach to divine knowledge, prioritizing philosophical inquiry over traditional theology. Halper illustrates how Averroes navigated political pressures while preserving scientific reasoning and differentiates between his various commentaries for different audiences. He also explores intriguing themes like the yearning for the divine and the connections between Averroes' ideas and Kabbalistic thought, underlining his enduring influence on Jewish and Christian intellectual traditions.

Yehudah Halper, a Professor of Jewish Philosophy at Bar Ilan University, discusses his new book on the 12th-century philosopher Averroes. He delves into Averroes' unique methods for understanding divine knowledge, emphasizing dialectical reasoning over demonstrative certainty. Halper examines the political motivations behind Averroes' writings and his impact on later Jewish thought. The conversation also touches on Averroes’ diverse commentaries, his role as a bridge for Aristotle’s ideas, and the continuous relevance of his philosophical inquiries.

The podcast explores Maimonides' fascinating transition from philosopher to physician, detailing his numerous works on medical topics such as hemorrhoids, asthma, and poisons. The discussion highlights his emphasis on simplifying medical knowledge into practical guidelines, with a focus on his Commentary on Hippocrates' Aphorisms. Through engaging chapters, the podcast delves into Maimonides' scientific approach, the historical context of medical figures, the necessity of commentaries, the challenges of mastering medicine, and the contrast between human and divine knowledge.