The Philosopher

Samuel ibn Tibbon

The face

The background

Nationality:
French
Schools:
Maimonidean
Period:
Medieval

The synopsis

Samuel ben Judah ibn Tibbon (c. 1150–1230) was a Provençal Jewish philosopher and physician, also known as Samuel ibn Tibbon. Born in Lunel, Languedoc, he died in Marseille. He is primarily recognized for his significant translations of Jewish rabbinic literature from Arabic to Hebrew. Among his original philosophical writings is "Sefer ha-Mikhtav" (The Book of the Letter), focusing on ethics and spirituality. His translations and commentaries played a crucial role in disseminating Greek philosophy and Islamic science within the Jewish world during the Middle Ages, profoundly influencing Jewish thought.

The works