University of Munich
Commentary as a Philosophical Form in the Work of Salomon Maimon
Luis Gruhler is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Philosophy and the Lerhstuhl für jüdische Geschichte und Kultur at LMU Munich. His research focuses on how traditional Jewish exegesis has influenced modern Jewish thought.
His dissertation project draws on recent developments in Salomon Maimon scholarship and argues that his philosophical writings in Hebrew and German should be understood as commentaries, even when they are not explicitly presented as such. The central thesis is that the form of commentary itself fulfils a philosophical function and, conversely, that Maimon’s philosophy requires commentary as its necessary philosophical form. The dissertation first examines the concept of commentary, its history, and its development both within Jewish culture and beyond. Secondly, Maimon’s writings are analysed using the analytical framework developed in this first part. Finally, the dissertation draws conclusions in support of the main thesis, namely how the philosophical content of these works is shaped by and interconnected with their form. Moreover, the project argues—against the prevalent historiography of Jewish philosophy—that Maimon can and should be understood as a genuinely Jewish philosopher.