The Natural Sciences
Thought
The Institute for Judaism and Civilization has a long-standing interest in the relationship between the Torah tradition and the natural sciences. Following the standpoint of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, science and technology are grasped as vital practical instruments of human existence, while this does not necessarily grant scientific theory total or absolute truth. As much is indicated by the history of science itself, which as presented by the philosopher of science, Thomas Kuhn represents a series of – not necessarily commensurate or cumulative – theoretical paradigms.
The metaphysical critique of science by Torah, which can lay claim to absolute metaphysical truth, as the “blueprint” of creation is supplemented also by the philosophy of science, which itself points to the inherent limitations and speculative foundations of natural scientific theory. The ultimate goal of scientific progress is in fact, as put by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the “convergence” of scientific theory with the ultimate truths set forth by Torah concerning existence.
Via a number of seminars held including under the auspices of the Haifa Technion, Rabbi Cowen published a paper in the journal “B’Or HaTorah”, Vol. 11, entitled “Torah metaphysics versus Newtonian empiricism” Click here to view PDF. The journal was at that time under the inspired editorship of a great Russian refusenik and scientist, Professor Herman Branover, who combined major scientific prowess with a purity of faith and commitment to the metaphysical teachings of Torah.
At a later point, Rabbi Cowen published a
monograph entitled “Torah and the Natural
Sciences” and in a more recent essay, published
in the Journal of Judaism and Civilization, Vol 14, a lengthy essay on “Faith and the Structure of the Universe”. Click here to view PDF
Speech
The Institute has hosted important scientists committed also to Torah belief, including Professor Avraham Hasofer OBM, former professor of mathematical statistics at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia and Professor Yaakov Friedman, Professor of Mathematics and Physics at the Jerusalem College of Technology.
Professor Yaakov Friedman
Professor Avraham Hasofer OBM
Action
The greatest demonstration of the unity of G-dliness is perhaps its manifestation in nature, which presents as something ostensibly “independent” and “standing by itself”. The work of demonstrating the unity of the Divine in the realm of the natural sciences is itself an ongoing project, but it can be glimpsed in a close examination of the development of scientific theory itself and its relationship to Torah. This too is a project in which the Institute for Judaism and Civilization seeks to take part.