Q&A: Pluralism in Jewish Law
Pluralism in Jewish Law
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I asked you a few days ago why not suggest, regarding the Ritva’s words that he forbade causing someone to stumble, that according to your view the act is permitted if the person does not know, because this is a matter between one person and another, and there is no need to invoke halakhic autonomy. (I should note that, with all my many sins, I did not understand the greatness of autonomy and why we should care about it at all. Of course I am not presenting an argument here, just noting it.) You answered: what happens when I know that he will not be upset? Okay, so indeed maybe I would not cause him to stumble then, but ordinarily people are upset by this (that makes sense, no?) and therefore it is forbidden.
Answer
In my opinion there is no logic in this at all. So I do not see any point in discussing it. In any case, if you want to discuss it, please continue there.