on reason. The method of the Mutakallimum, which provided the paradigm for both Islamic and Jewish philosophy from the early eighth to the late ninth centuries, placed little value on the ability of philosophy (based on human reason) to aide in the defense of the faith which, in both religions, was the revealed word of God. But Maimonides was aware of the difference between faith and reason. He recognized that there was an "implicit antagonism" between religion, which valued action, and Philosophy's disinterested, contemplative goal of achieving "rational opinions without actions or moral qualities." But Maimonides also believed that, even though human reason was fallible, philosophic method could be employed as a guide to the truths of religion.
In his commentary on the Mishnah (the written compilation of the materials of the Oral Torah) Maimonides undertook a "lengthy excursus on Jewish belief" in the course of his discussion of Perek Helek, a chapter in the Talmudic tractate Sanhedrin. In this extended section Maimonides outlined the 13 pri
...