Q&A: Torah Study in Relation to Wisdom
Torah Study in Relation to Wisdom
Question
Which field of wisdom has contributed the most to your skill and ability in analysis and logic—Talmud, physics, or philosophy?
Do you think that studying the Talmud really contributes at all, in your assessment and personal experience, to intellectual abilities and skills?
Answer
The Talmud (and its commentators) contributes a great deal. I can’t say which contributes the most. If you’re looking specifically for a contribution to logic, then obviously what helps most is the study of logic itself.
In general, I think the contribution comes not from studying this or that particular field, but from motivation and awareness. If analytical thinking matters to you, you’ll develop it in whatever field you study, and similarly in other areas. It depends more on you than on the subjects you learn. I know quite a few experts in the fields you mentioned who do not have especially impressive critical thinking.