Q&A: Is the study of moral wisdom, “ethics,” considered Torah study in the person?
Is the study of moral wisdom, “ethics,” considered Torah study in the person?
Question
Hello Rabbi Abraham,
Is the philosophical engagement with what is “good” and how it ought to be carried out in practice considered “Torah study in the person”? a0
I mean books like Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals or Critique of Practical Reason by Immanuel Kant, or similar literature.
Thank you in advance.
Answer
I think so. Clarifying the moral imperative and its content is Torah, even if it is not Jewish law.
Discussion on Answer
Definitely. Also any subject that helps you understand His conduct in the world, and understand the world itself from an intellectual perspective. All our books of Jewish thought are Torah study in the person.
If you search the site, you a0ll find several of my articles that define Torah study in the person as opposed to Torah study in the object.
Can one say that any subject that helps me know God is Torah study in the person?