Moses Mendelssohn as an Influence on Hermann Cohen’s “Idiosyncratic” Reading of Maimonides’ Ethics

Surprisingly, there are at least three major theological subjects where Hermann Cohen seems to agree with Mendelssohn—against standard Jewish Reform theology. Even more interesting: All points stand in connection the religious thought of Moses Maimonides (1137–1204), medieval halakhist and philosopher, whose radical ideas Mendelssohn mostly rejected generally adopted. Should this observation be true, however, we might assume that took a few hints for his own reading from Mendelssohn. This conclusion would then itself surprising, because Cohen, contrary theologians 19th century, fact everyone else, read what was called an “idiosyncratic” way: For proto-idealist, who often followed Plato much than Aristotle, sometimes even anticipated Immanuel Kant. exceptionally, Maimonides’ philosophy Guide Perplexed focused on theology ethics rather metaphysics knowledge divine. I will attempt provide proof-texts showing these essentially harmony. Still, my proofs probable Mendelssohnian influence depend very close both Mendelssohn’s relevant passages, as well corresponding texts Maimonides.