Yehuda Halper

Yehuda Halper, a Professor of Jewish Philosophy at Bar-Ilan University and a visiting professor at the University of Chicago, delves into the mind of 12th-century philosopher Averroes. He discusses Averroes' unique approach to divine knowledge, grounded in Aristotelian thought rather than traditional theology. Halper reveals how Averroes categorized knowledge types and highlights the tension between rhetorical and demonstrative methods. The conversation also touches on Averroes' enduring influence on Jewish thought and the need for more translations of his works.

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.

Israeli professor of Jewish philosophy, Yehuda Halper, discusses Maimonides and his portrayal of the human condition. They explore Maimonides's work on the laws of character traits and the moral psychology he presents. The podcast explores the distinction between human and divine knowledge, the aspiration to imitate God's knowledge, and Maimonides's perspective on balancing behavior and character traits. They also touch on the understanding of the soul in the philosophical tradition and the importance of moderation and wisdom in fulfilling life's purpose.