How does the structure of the Torah itself presuppose that humans possess free will?

Recall questions on bechirah chofshit, Deuteronomy 30:19 and Maimonides on foreknowledge, the yetzer ha-tov and yetzer ha-ra, teshuvah and responsibility, and the limited authority of conscience.

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Key term

What is the Hebrew term for free will in Jewish thought, and what does it fundamentally enable humans to do?

Key term

How did Maimonides reconcile divine foreknowledge with human free will?

Key term

How is conscience understood in Jewish ethics, and to what is it often linked?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is the Hebrew term for free will in Jewish thought, and what does it fundamentally enable humans to do?
Model answer
Bechirah chofshit; it is the God-given capacity to choose between good and evil, making humans morally responsible agents.
2
How does the structure of the Torah itself presuppose that humans possess free will?
Model answer
The Torah presents commandments and consequences, implying that humans have the genuine ability to choose whether to obey or disobey.
3
Quote the key verse from Deuteronomy 30:19 that affirms human freedom to choose.
Model answer
'I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life.'
4
According to Maimonides, why is free will a fundamental principle in Judaism?
Model answer
Without free will, the Torah, reward and punishment would all be meaningless.
5
How did Maimonides reconcile divine foreknowledge with human free will?
Model answer
He argued that God's knowledge transcends human categories of time, so divine foreknowledge does not negate free will.
6
What is the yetzer ha-tov?
Model answer
The inclination toward good within each person.

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