[Avodah] animals and bechira??

[Lisa Liel]

On 1/19/2012 11:30 AM, David Riceman wrote:
> RMB:
>
> <<The concept of shor hamu'ad (BQ) is whether this animal poses a 
> perpetual danger, or was dangerous once.>>
>
> I was referring to the argument about whether five species can become 
> "b'nei tarbus" or not (unlike snakes, which everyone agrees can not).  
> The expression "bnei tarbus" certainly implies self control, and self 
> control is at least a kissing cousin of bechirah.

I don't think it does.  I think it means that the type of animal can be 
trained.  Calling it self-control already assumes some sort of 
self-awareness, which begs the question.

Lisa