The guide for the perplexed
The Guide for the Perplexed, written in Arabic by Moses Maimonides around 1190, is addressed to a student troubled by the apparent conflict between the Hebrew Bible and the philosophy of Aristotle. In three parts Maimonides explains the anthropomorphic language of scripture as figurative, sets out and criticizes the proofs of God's existence and the doctrine of creation, discusses prophecy, providence, evil and the reasons behind the commandments, and ends with the knowledge of God as the human goal. This is the one-volume translation of M. Friedländer, revised in 1904, with a life of the author and an analysis of the work. The Guide influenced Aquinas and Spinoza and remains central to Jewish thought. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about The guide for the perplexed
The guide for the perplexed by Moses Maimonides can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The guide for the perplexed online?
Yes. The guide for the perplexed opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The guide for the perplexed free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The guide for the perplexed is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The guide for the perplexed in the public domain?
Yes. The guide for the perplexed by Moses Maimonides is a public-domain work, here in the translation by M. Friedländer. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The guide for the perplexed?
About 18 h 17 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The guide for the perplexed?
The guide for the perplexed by Moses Maimonides is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
