Criticism of Gersonides in Rabbi Abraham Bibago’s Path of Faith: God’s Knowledge of Particulars and Miracles

Abstract

This article undertakes an examination of Bibago’s perspective concerning Gersonides’ viewpoints pertaining to the inquiries surrounding the nature of God’s Knowledge, as well as the elucidation of miracles encompassing their causation and the role they play in fostering religious faith. Within the context of these dual subjects, Bibago allocates a substantial segment of his discourse towards a comprehensive exposition of Gersonides’ viewpoints, subsequently followed by a systematic refutation thereof, thereby eschewing the inclination to down play disparities and harmonize their stances, a contrast to his approach in the analysis of Maimonides’ ideas. Evidently, it shall be demonstrated that Bibago indeed assimilates certain aspects of Gersonides’ stance, thereby effecting a notable deviation from the Maimonidean viewpoint. However, it remains conspicuous that Bibago consistently situates himself as an authentic exegete of Maimonides while concurrently assuming a stance in opposition to Gersonides.