There are certain axioms necessary for the systematic application of reason. This is what Aristotle called metaphysics, the prerequisite to 'physics', which would nowadays be called science. Science is based on a certain metaphysical position called empiricism, which says that I only know about things experienced by the senses. Judaism is a rival system of thought based on a different metaphysical position. Namely, that reality is not limited to the physical, and that things which cannot be directly sensed, called spiritual, also exist. (Math is an example of a spiritual construct. We cannot see it or feel it. We only know of it's existence by observing the effect it has on the world.)
Science does not accept the spiritual, and so in western society, only physical objects can have rational rules of what is correct and what is not. You must wash your hands because it physically removes germs from the surface of your hands, which could make you physically ill. But art, culture, and style of dress have no right and wrong way of doing things, because they don't exist and cannot be reasoned rationally. There is a distinction between rational science and the culture and religion which govern those things which do not use systematic reason.
Judaism applies reason to every aspect of life, even if it is not fundamentally physical. So it will come up with guidelines for good interpersonal relationships, the proper way to dress, and matters of the heart and spirit. Things like ethics, religion and art and style, which in western society are not treated in a systematic way are well-reasoned and developed in Judaism. (Psychology was started relatively recently and by a Jew, who was neurologist, since that was the closest thing the west had until then.)
No comments:
Post a Comment