R. Shem Tov Falaquera's Method in Abridging R. Solomon Ibn Gabirol's "Fons Vitae" / דרכי קיצור ספר 'מקור חיים' לר' שלמה אבן גבירול בידי ר' שם טוב אבן פלקירה

The article explores the motive of Falaquera in abridging Fons Vitae, arguing that Falaquera believed that Fons Vitae preserved the philosophy of the ancients. However he criticized Fons Vitae for its length. The principles of the abridgment were pedagogical as well as philosophical. Falaquera rearranged Gabirol's work, omitting vague discussions and problematic or controversial teachings. He ignored inner contradictions in Fons Vitae. The article supplies detailed analysis of the abridgment of the first article of Fons Vitae, as well as a few additional example from the other chapters.