Rationalist Judaism

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Respecting Rishonim
www.rationalistjudaism.com

Respecting Rishonim

Natan Slifkin
Jun 16, 2009
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Respecting Rishonim
www.rationalistjudaism.com

Which is a more respectful approach towards a Rishon whose view one finds deeply problematic:

(A) Quoting him, explaining why he took this view, and respectfully explaining why one disagrees with his view and prefers the view of other Rishonim.

(B) Sharply criticizing the approach itself without letting on that it was the view of this Rishon.

Other alternatives are possible, but of these two options, which is more respectful? I would unhesitatingly say that the former is more respectful (aside from being more intellectually honest). After all, if one truly respects someone, one entitles them to having their position aired in their name even if one disagrees with it. But others genuinely feel that the latter is more respectful, since if their view is now seen as problematic, one should not shame them by letting it be known that they felt this way, and furthermore one should not be giving one's own reasons for disagreeing with a Rishon.

I would welcome people's thoughts on this matter.

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Respecting Rishonim
www.rationalistjudaism.com
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