Zlo a utrpení u Saadji Gaona a Maimonida

Abstract

in English: In my bachelor thesis, I am dealing with the problem of evil and suffering in the two major figures of medieval Jewish philosophy, Saadyah Gaon and Maimonides. First, I am showing the place of evil and suffering in the context of western philosophical tradition. Then, I am depicting the specifically Jewish understanding of the problem based on the Biblical book of Job. In the central part of my thesis, I am exploring the passages of writings of Saadyah and Maimonides devoted to evil and suffering. Furthermore, I am comparing both conceptions of the problem and I am showing the Maimonides' conception as being in some way a criticism of Saadyah, especially his understanding of suffering as a trial. In the conclusion, I am dealing with some common aspects of Saadyahs and Maimonides' understanding of evil and suffering. I am proving that their understanding of evil has some specific Jewish aspects based on the Biblical book of Job, and particular for Medieval thinking in general. These aspects show clearly that the conception of evil and suffering of Saadyah and Maimonides broadly differs from the contemporary conceptions of the problem.