On Plural Universes: A Debate in Medieval Jewish Philosophy and the Duhem-Pines Thesis

The debate between Gersonides and Crescas on the question of plural universes is addressed, with details of their arguments for their positions and the conceptual frameworks within which they developed their ideas. Also considered is the view current among several leading scholars, who claim that Christian Scholasticism had a significant impact upon the doctrines of both Gersonides and Crescas. This thesis is examined and rejected: both Gersonides and Crescas developed their ideas independently of any Scholastic influence.