Q&A: On the justification for developing a philosophy of Jewish law
On the justification for developing a philosophy of Jewish law.
Question
Good morning. I read the Rabbi’s “Good Measure” page about the roots of Maimonides. First of all, I really enjoy these pages—more power to your Torah work!
Second, you wrote there about the new and developing field called “the philosophy of Jewish law,” and I was curious: what is the justification for thinking that such a philosophy exists at all? Jewish law is a constitutional patchwork built up by generations and different figures with different outlooks—why think that behind all this there is a consistent, systematic logic?
Answer
Hello,
First, it is not necessarily possible to view Jewish law as an orderly and consistent philosophy. But even behind specific opinions there are interesting philosophical and logical assumptions that are worth uncovering and analyzing. The question of consistency is a different question.
Beyond that, I do think there is a general philosophical framework within which the discussion takes place, even if within it there is room for several views and nuances. In general, behind and at the foundation of every phenomenon and field of knowledge in the world there is a philosophical basis, and Jewish law is no exception in this regard.