[Avodah] Talmudic Arguments: The Use of Insults, Reprimands, Rebukes and Curses as Part of the Disputation Proces

[Joel Rich]

Talmudic Arguments: The Use of Insults, Reprimands, Rebukes and Curses as
Part of the Disputation Process-Hershey H. Friedman, Ph.D

https://www.academia.edu/36323670/Talmudic_Arguments_The_Use_of_Insults_Reprimands_Rebukes_and_Curses_as_Part_of_the_Disputation_Process

Punchline: Regardless of the reason a sage chose to incorporate heavy
language, as long as no embarrassment or intently personal attacks are
found, it can be used. This rule is not limited to ancient Babylonia,
but it is true to any society where dispute carries with it, in a healthy
manner, the element of verbal jabs and attacks...But do so with caution,
because even Rav Huna and Rav Hisda let the debate become personal,
and even Hashem [God] regrets, as it were, knocking someone else down
(Dratch, 2014).It is clear that some insults in the Talmud caused serious
problems and did not end well. In particular, the dispute between Rabbi
Yochanan and Resh Lakish where the former said:
"A robber understands the tools of his trade."

The story of Abdan and Yishmael b. Yosi also had a disastrous conclusion.
These stories demonstrate that even sages have to be careful when using
sarcasm, insults, and derision as a tool to enhance the disputation process.

ME- COGNITIVE DISSONANCE being resolved TODAY OR AN ACCURATE DEPICTION?

KT
Joel Rich