Abstract

The rational faculty of the human soul that characterizes the intellectual process of man and distinguishes it from animals is analyzed by Maimonides inharmony with the position defended by Aristotle, centuries before. Maimonidesfollows Aristotle in almost all of his explanation of the division between potential, orpossible intellect, and agent, or active intellect, but introduces some ideas into his theory of knowledge, which he takesfrom other philosophies. In this article we show some analogies and differencesbetween the gnoseologies of both philosophers and we finish with a briefconsideration of the connection between gnoseology and ethics in Maimónides,because he thought that the suitable moral conduct must accompany the rationalspeculation, and that the man is responsible for their actions. In addition, moralityrequires the faculty of reason for its exercise.