The Role of Scientific Findings in Contemporary Jewish Law

Daniel Reifman, Israel Belfer, Rachel Pear

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of techoscientific developments in halakhic decision-making. The chapter illustrates the difficulty of sketching a coherent description of how science has been brought to bear on halakhah by decisors. Halakhic reasoning is rarely completely consistent with science (or coupled to a specific scientific worldview), or entirely independent. Thus, we reject deductive/harmony models, which posit that halakhic rulings are formed exclusively by applying halakhic norms to scientific findings or in complete consonance with them. We similarly reject positivist/independence models, which posit the complete separation and discontinuity between the two spheres of science and halakhah. Instead, we gravitate toward a “dialogue model,” which highlights those features that make each discourse distinct and meaningful and enable it to contribute to a fruitful and multidimensional interaction with the other. We additionally focus on the dynamics of halakhic practice and the need for cognitive coherence among halakhic adherents that have shaped the way halakhah has absorbed scientific discoveries and technological developments.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Jewish Law The Oxford Handbook of Jewish Law
EditorsZev Leff, Roberta Rosenthal Kwall, Chaim Saiman
PublisherOxford University Press Oxford
ISBN (Electronic)9780197508336
ISBN (Print)9780197508305
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 Mar 2024

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