Q&A: Openness and Rationalism in Judaism
Openness and Rationalism in Judaism
Question
Does the Rabbi think that the tannaim and amoraim were rationalists and intellectuals, based on what we know, both in matters of Torah and in ordinary worldly matters? That is, did they follow reason and rational arguments?
If not, is there any logic to saying that there is no point in listening to them, or does that not matter to us, and we relate to them only as transmitters of the tradition and the received report?
In addition, does the Rabbi think they were open to new ideas from outside Judaism, both in matters of faith and in ordinary worldly matters?
I would appreciate it if the Rabbi could give examples.
Thank you.
Answer
The question is not well defined. First, there were a great many amoraim and tannaim. Second, what does “rationalists” mean? Is there anyone who does not use reason?
Discussion on Answer
I can’t answer such a general question. We’re done.
The accepted outlook in the Talmud, plainly speaking, believes in demons, sorcery, and astrology.
But one has to remember that in their time it seemed reasonable to believe in all of that.
A. I thought about that too; I mean the main general mindset in the Talmud. And if there are amoraim who were and others who were not, then fair enough, that too is a reasonable answer (even though it is impossible to check all of them, whether a few of them were or not).
B. Everyone uses reason, or at least claims to, but there are those who in addition make claims that have no real basis or that say nothing.
C. In addition to the question about openness: even in a theoretical case, should one accept the words of the amoraim as transmitters of the tradition if they were not educated?
Thank you.