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338. Science From the Top Down

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The scientist’s understanding begins from the outside and attempts to work in—from the bottom up. He begins with subjective empiricism and attempts to deduce an objective model.

The wisdom of Torah begins from the inside and works its way out—from the top down. In this approach you meditate upon the Creator’s own objective model and apply it to discover the truth behind this world.

The prudent scientist will realize that he can benefit most through a combination of both approaches.

Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.
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Discussion (7)
May 13, 2011
Right view for understanding science
It can't get simpler or truer than this.
Bill Kelley
Tifton, GA/USA
May 12, 2011
Wisdom missed by most scientists
As a medical scientist and radiation oncologist who has cared for over 10,000 patients, this is the kind of insight that has brought me closer to G-d (and Chabad) . In my kids terminology it can be replied to as "well duh..."). However, the "obvious" is only so because we already know it from another source.
Anonymous
Leesburg, FL
May 23, 2008
Science
When you are working with hard subjects like science, you, try to think of all the reasons you might be wrong, rather than trying to justify or prove or convince.

If you can't doubt your own work, how can you come to have any faith in it?

We are confronted with a lot of raw information and it is our job to make sense of it. Any model should not be ruled out because of its source.
George Pugh
May 23, 2008
Re: stay out of science
Not my decision. This is a collection of thoughts expressed by the Rebbe. I attempt to say them in common English. The Rebbe said all these things about science, so they're here. If you want my own ideas, if there are any, they're not in the Daily Dose.

The trend today is that anyone who has majored in science in college must ridicule any writer who attempts to discuss science and faith. But real progress comes only through an interdisciplinary approach, whereby all of human knowledge can be harmonized.
Tzvi Freeman (author)
May 22, 2008
oy, tzvi. stay out of science and remain where you belong - in literature and philosophy. you do better there...
ML
May 22, 2008
Inside out
I might add that good intelligence works the same way: you get all the information you can, unculled, and build on that.

The alternative is making the data fit your expectations, and we see where that gets you.
George Pugh
May 22, 2008
science from the top down
It is true that some scientists work bottom up, so are empirico-deductive. Others, however, use the top-down approach of taking a model and designing their research to prove or disprove it...
Devorah
Gateshead, UK
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