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    Choux's Avatar
    Choux Posts: 3,047, Reputation: 376
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    #1

    Apr 23, 2008, 03:40 PM
    Jewish Culture and Reason
    Did the Jewish men of long ago invent rationality/reason/logical thinking... or did the ancient Greeks or perhaps some other culture?

    Were the Jews responsible for preserving interest in logical thinking over the ages?
    rosends's Avatar
    rosends Posts: 78, Reputation: 22
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    #2

    Apr 24, 2008, 06:31 PM
    I don't think it is fair to try and figure out who invented rational thinking -- while Judaism, within limits, has applied rationality and reason, it has also asked for the suspension of same in pursuit of faith.
    Credendovidis's Avatar
    Credendovidis Posts: 1,593, Reputation: 66
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    #3

    Jun 1, 2008, 06:12 AM
    Dear Choux

    I have to side with Rosends on this one.

    Long before the Jews started with their format of rationality/reason/logical thinking, many other regional tribes , and other groups worldwide - were already experimenting with the same. It is very difficult to value now the depth into which these thought experiments went.

    As usual over time these many thoughts evolved deeper and deeper, and a more clear line of thinking appeared in all these groups. We are more aware of the Jewish thinking line because it is at the origins of Christianity, which is at the origins of our western culture.

    As to your question : the Jews were co-responsible for preserving interest in logical thinking over the ages in their area of habitat, together with many other human groups living elsewhere - worldwide.
    At the other side the Jews were also co-responsible for developing irrational thoughts, like the suggestion that supernatural entities exist.

    ;)
    Choux's Avatar
    Choux Posts: 3,047, Reputation: 376
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    #4

    Jun 20, 2008, 12:14 PM
    Excellent, thanks, John.

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