Category Archives: Negative Theology

Negative Theology 8

Rambam vs Kant and the Cosmological Proof

Rabbi Triebitz focusses on Section I Chapter 57 of Moreh Nevuchim.

He also quotes from Section II Chapter 13

and Section II Chapter 2 in the course of the shiur.

He discusses Rambam’s cosmological proof, and compares it to Kant’s refutation of the Ontological proof and thus his refutation of the Cosmological Proof (which he claims is based upon it). Rabbi Triebitz comes up with a new reading of Rambam which is compelling and which answers Kant’s objections.


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Negative Theology 7

No physical description can be given to G-d

Rabbi Triebitz learns through three chapters of Moreh Nevuchim:

Section I Chapter 55 of Moreh Nevuchim.

Section I Chapter 56 of Moreh Nevuchim.

Section I Chapter 57 of Moreh Nevuchim.

Rabbi Triebitz covers a lot of ground in this shiur, and prepares the way for next week’s shiur which will explain the ontological proof in detail, and its connection to the cosmological proof.

 

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Rabbi Triebitz quotes (again) from this book:

Theology and the Scientific Imagination by Amos Funkenstein

Theology and the Scientific Imagination by Amos Funkenstein


Theology and the Scientific Imagination by Amos Funkenstein

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Negative Theology 6

Leadership and Prophecy

Rabbi Triebitz finishes Section I Chapter 54 of Moreh Nevuchim.

In this shiur Rabbi Triebitz (and Rambam) discusses the qualities of a leader and the hidden message of Moreh Nevuchim about Moshe Rabbeinu.

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Rabbi Triebitz also references Section II Chapter 39 Moreh Nevuchim:

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Negative Theology 5

Ontology and Ethics
Natural Philosophy and Revelation

Rabbi Triebitz analyzes Section I Chapter 54 of Moreh Nevuchim. Rabbi Triebitz discusses the argument between academics (e.g. Marvin Fox vs. Hermann Cohen) about whether Rambam holds like Plato that ethics can be derived from the ontology of the world or whether he holds like Aristotle that they cannot. Rabbi Triebitz brings evidence for both sides of the argument, and finds a resolution.

In this shiur Rabbi Triebitz also explains why negative theology is essential for Rambam’s understanding of ethics.


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Rabbi Triebitz also references two other places in Moreh Nevuchim:

Section I Chapter 54 and

Section III Chapter 54

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Negative Theology 2

This is the second in the series of shiurim on Rambam’s concept of Negative Theology. In this shiur he compares Rambam’s concept of negative theology to Wittgenstein and logical positivism.

Proving the Obvious: Denying the Attributes of G-d

Section I Chapter 51

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Source Material:
Rabbi Triebitz quotes from a book called Incompleteness: The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Godel by Rebecca Goldstein.

The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Godel by Rebecca Goldstein.

The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Godel by Rebecca Goldstein.

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