AI and the Remarkable Jewish Ability

AI and the Remarkable Jewish Ability to Balance Between Destiny and Free Will

An article by Viktor Fersht in collaboration with Artificial Intelligence

The position between destiny and free will is a profound philosophical question examined through various perspectives: metaphysical, ethical, religious, and psychological. This question explores the extent to which our actions are predetermined by external factors (e.g., fate, divine plan, or natural laws) and the degree of our ability to make free choices.

In Jewish tradition, the balance between destiny and free will is viewed through the lens of divine omniscience and human responsibility. This topic is central to Judaism and is understood through the texts of the Torah, the Talmud, and the writings of Jewish thinkers.

Key Principles

The Paradox of Predestination and Free Will

The Mishnah states: “All is foreseen, but free will is given” (Hakol tzafui vehareshut netunah). This highlights the paradox that, while God knows everything that will happen, humans retain the freedom to choose their paths. Divine omniscience does not negate free will, as God’s knowledge exists outside time and does not constrain human decisions.

Freedom of Choice

Judaism asserts that individuals have complete freedom to choose between good and evil. As written in Deuteronomy (Devarim): “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil… choose life!” (30:19). This emphasizes human accountability for actions and their consequences.

Limits of Free Will

Free will applies primarily to moral aspects of life: observing commandments or violating them. However, many external circumstances (such as health or financial status) are beyond human control and depend on Divine Providence.

Divine Foreknowledge

Maimonides (Rambam) explains that the contradiction between God’s foreknowledge and human free will exists only from the human perspective. God’s knowledge of the future does not resemble human knowledge and does not limit human actions.

Varied Approaches in Jewish Philosophy

Maimonides (Rambam)

Rambam emphasized that free will is the foundation of moral responsibility. He maintained that individuals choose their paths—to be righteous or sinful—without any coercion from God.

Hasdai Crescas

Crescas leaned toward determinism, asserting that human choices are shaped by internal and external causes. However, he distinguished between voluntary actions (subject to reward or punishment) and compelled actions.

Levi ben Gershon (Ralbag)

Ralbag argued that God does not know all individual human decisions in advance but guides history according to His plan. This allows for personal freedom of choice.

Practical Implications

In Jewish tradition, free will is closely linked to the idea of moral responsibility. Humans are accountable for their actions before God and society. Free will is viewed as both a gift and a test: individuals are expected to use it to fulfill commandments and achieve spiritual perfection.

Jewish tradition thus upholds a balance between destiny (Divine omniscience) and human free will. This balance preserves faith in God’s plan while affirming human accountability for choices.

The Example of King Solomon in Jewish Tradition

The story of King Solomon illustrates the principle of free will through his actions, decisions, and their consequences, which highlight both human responsibility and the influence of Divine Providence.

Wisdom as a Choice

When Solomon ascended the throne, he asked God for wisdom to govern his people, rather than wealth or fame. This choice pleased God, and Solomon received not only wisdom but also additional blessings (1 Kings 3:10-14). His request demonstrates the deliberate use of free will for the benefit of the people and the observance of God’s commandments.

Judgment Between Mothers

One of Solomon’s most famous judgments was resolving a dispute between two women over a baby. Solomon proposed dividing the child to identify the true mother, who would sacrifice her own interests to save the child. This decision showcased his ability to use God-given wisdom for justice and the preservation of life.

Deviation from Commandments

In his later years, Solomon made choices that led him away from God’s commandments. He allowed his foreign wives to build altars to their gods and participated in idol worship (1 Kings 11:1-8). These actions violated his covenant with God and led to consequences: after Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Israel was divided.

Consequences of Choice

Although God granted Solomon free will, his deviations had serious repercussions. The division of the kingdom after his death resulted from both his personal mistakes and his inability to maintain the unity of the people under God’s laws.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist humans in exploring the balance between predestination and free will but remains limited to analytical and supportive functions. AI can provide information, analyze philosophical, religious, and scientific concepts, and help individuals better understand these complex issues. However, it cannot provide a definitive answer or resolve the paradox, as this is beyond its nature as a tool.

How AI Can Be Useful

1. Analyzing Texts: AI can collate and systematize views from various philosophical schools and religious traditions. For example, it can compare Christian, Islamic, and Jewish approaches to free will and predestination.

2. Clarifying Complex Ideas: AI can explain challenging concepts like compatibilism or theological paradoxes.

3. Ethical Recommendations: AI can suggest ethical frameworks for decision-making, helping individuals evaluate the consequences of their choices.

4. Modeling Scenarios: AI can simulate potential outcomes of different decisions, enabling individuals to recognize the impact of their choices.

Limitations of AI

• Lack of Subjective Experience: AI does not possess free will or consciousness and cannot “experience” choice.

• Ethical Neutrality: AI cannot determine what is “right” or “best” in a metaphysical sense.

• Inability to Resolve the Paradox: The balance between predestination and free will remains a philosophical question requiring human reflection.

AI serves as a valuable tool for studying and understanding the balance between predestination and free will. It can provide insights, analyze concepts, and assist in decision-making. However, the ultimate choice and understanding of this balance rest with individuals, as they are shaped by personal beliefs, experiences, and worldviews.