Q&A: Are Intellects Equal?
Are Intellects Equal?
Question
That is, is there only one truth, or are there several truths?
Can there be disputes in which it is possible that both sides are right—not only that they are right in their reasoning, but even in the weighing of the reasons, such that they reach different conclusions and nevertheless both are right?
Has the Rabbi ever written about this? Could you refer me to something?
Answer
In questions of fact, no. In other questions (such as legal or moral questions), possibly yes. I don’t recall having written about this.
Discussion on Answer
For example, when there is one positive commandment against another positive commandment, or one value against another value, there can be a position according to which both values carry equal weight, and therefore there is no way to decide and there are two correct/legitimate courses of action. Some would say that in a situation where it is impossible to decide, one adopts a policy of passive omission. But there are situations in which passive omission is not possible, because the dilemma is whether to do X or do Y. In such a case, one can draw lots or choose arbitrarily.
It is worth looking at Rabbi Sherlo’s opening lecture to tractate Bava Metzia (on his yeshiva’s website. There he also refers to a comprehensive article he wrote in some memorial volume that was published at Yeshivat Ma’alot).
Thanks!
Could the Rabbi please elaborate on how several truths can exist in legal/moral questions? How, then, can one decide, etc.?