Abstract:

This presentation argues that modern cosmology, and modern science in general, has been heavily influenced by Kabbalistic cosmogony. Kabbalism, a branch of Jewish philosophy developed between 1000 to 700 years ago, employs mysticism and Midrash, a method of interpreting Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Torah. Midrash uses multi-faceted arguments and introduces causes that produce probabilistic effects. The introduction of Kabbalistic philosophy, it is further argued, undermined the Greek philosophy of deterministic cause and effect -- an important component to the development of Quantum Mechanics.

This presentation begins with a review of modern cosmology and Greek philosophy. The main precepts of Kabbalah and the methodology of Jewish Midrash are introduced. The resulting Kabbalistic cosmogony is then discussed. Finally, the arguments mentioned above are justified.

Disclaimers include that all the religious content of this presentation is from a typical Orthodox Jewish perspective and that this presentation does not attempt to popularize science and religion for the masses.