Q&A: Initial Assumption
Initial Assumption
Question
On the logical plane, does the reasoning behind an initial assumption that is later rejected have to be stronger than the reasoning behind the alternative explanation?
Answer
Not at all. Sometimes it's even the opposite. Beyond the strength of the reasoning, there is also the consideration of how to interpret the verse. If there is an option whose reasoning is stronger but it fits the verse less well, then it is at a disadvantage. (This is the well-known dilemma of whether to force the language or force the reasoning.)
For example, it is possible that the stronger reasoning is דווקא the initial assumption, and the verse comes to teach that nevertheless it is not correct. You could perhaps say that once the verse has taught otherwise, that proves the latter reasoning is the stronger one (otherwise the Holy One, blessed be He, would not have established it in the verse), even though we do not necessarily understand why. But that is already a claim with no real value, because then "strong" means whatever the Holy One, blessed be He, wants, and not what seems stronger to me.