Beyond 'Difference': Translating Classical Philosophical Nuances

This paper examines the modern problem of semantically flattening the classical philosophical notions of difference, diversity, and distinction into a single term: "difference." It argues that this linguistic simplification has generated a gap between classical and modern worldviews, with consequences for understanding classical Jewish thought. A tripartite framework is proposed to clarify these notions, drawing upon Aristotelian causal reasoning and the work of Isaac Orobio de Castro and Ovadia Sforno. This paper maintains that the modern rejection of final causes in favor of material and efficient causes undermined classical notions of essence and purpose.