Q&A: The Value of Studying Physics
The Value of Studying Physics
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I wanted to ask a question following one I saw asked here on the site a long time ago.
They asked the Rabbi whether there is value in studying physics not for someone who wants to work in that field, but for someone who sees himself remaining in the world of Torah over the long term. And the Rabbi answered then that the value lies in developing thinking.
But still I want to ask whether there is not intrinsic value in the knowledge accumulated in physics. Not only from the standpoint of developing thinking, but from the standpoint of knowing nature as it is. It seems that many sages of Israel studied the natural sciences, not necessarily in order to develop their thinking. Does the Rabbi think they did so only because in the past it was customary to interpret verses or the words of the Sages according to the physics known at the time?
Developing thinking seems possible in other ways too, not necessarily through the strenuous study of physics.
Thank you in advance
Answer
Agreed. There is value in it in its own right as well. True, I do not see the precedents of the sages of Israel as proof one way or the other, but that is what reason suggests.
By the way, I do not think it is possible to develop thinking without exertion.
Discussion on Answer
What can be defined? Wisdom is a value in itself. It is not a means to something else, so I cannot define it further (what it contributes to, and the like).
Could the Rabbi define what that intrinsic value is?
Thank you, and sorry for the trouble.