Talmudic reasoning

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The development of explicit legal concepts and principles in rabbinic literature showcases the creativity and sophistication of rabbinic legal thought, particularly concerning abstract, metaphysical entities. This study by Leib Moscovitz systematically surveys the evolution and impact of abstraction and conceptualization across various legal corpora within rabbinic literature, highlighting the essential role of conceptualization in talmudic reasoning. Moscovitz illustrates how analyzing rabbinic conceptualization can illuminate key aspects of rabbinic scholarship, including the character and evolution of rabbinic legal thought, techniques of legal exegesis, and jurisprudence. It also addresses philological and historical issues, such as the chronology of the Babylonian Talmud's anonymous stratum. While rabbinic conceptualization is unique, it shares features with related disciplines. This study draws on jurisprudence, cognitive psychology, and philosophy to enhance understanding of rabbinic conceptualization. Key themes include the use of casuistics, generalization, implicit conceptualization in earlier rabbinic literature, classification, legal definitions, legal fictions, legal explanations, analogy, association, and the explicit development of legal concepts in later rabbinic texts.