Re- question 1963 above. I'm wondering if you can provide an actual case where Greek philosophy contributed something of value to the Torah?
Q. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. His writings explore all fields of human behavior. One of his most basic teachings, as quoted by the Rambam (Shmono Perokim 6) was that virtues are inherent in human behavior and all one has to do is implement them. He discusses whether humans are naturally good or not and resolves that all virtues are already built-in the human mind.
We seem to have contradictory indications. The posuk (Bereshis 8: 21) teaches "the will (yetzer) of man's heart is evil from his youth, indicating that one is born without virtue. And in the words of the Sages, Kidushin (30b) "His evil inclination (yitzro) will strengthen every day, and If Hashem does not help him he will not be able to defeat it," seems again to indicate that humans are inherently evil.
Yet, in Koheles (7: 29) we read that; "Hashem made man straight." It is also well known Rambam's permission to force someone to give a get to his wife when needed, even against his will (H. Geirushin 2: 20), the reason being that inside his heart, every Jewish person wants to do what is right and just.
Rambam (Shmono Perokim 6) explains that the difference between the one who has conquered his evil inclination and the one who is innately a chosid, depends on the kind of mitzva we are dealing with.
In regards to Chukim, the Rambam explains one should not say I inherently cannot eat the non kosher meat or I'm by nature unable to wear shatnez. On the contrary, I refrain not because this is my nature, but rather because Hashem commands me to do so.
However, in regards to the mitzvos sichlios, that we understand why we do them, and usually apply when dealing with others, Rambam claims the philosophers were right, the natural virtue and the innate good heart is what we pursue.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
