Gersonides' Theory of Miracles: Determinism and Choice

Sara Klein-Braslavy*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of choice in Gersonides' theory of miracles, as presented in the Wars of the Lord, is discussed. The theory of miracles in Wars VI.2.10 is shown to be another link in his reconciliation of determinism with choice. After a brief review of his ideas about choice, his astral determinism is elucidated. The third part of the essay reviews his treatment of how miracles occur. Gersonides is shown to have established a "conditional miraculous determinism"; his concern for choice is the key to this solution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)196-235
Number of pages40
JournalJournal of Jewish Thought and Philosophy
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2015

Keywords

  • Averroes
  • Gersonides
  • God's knowledge
  • choice
  • determinism
  • miracles
  • prophetic prognostications

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