Kabbalah, Science and the Creation of the Universe Cover Image

Kabała, nauka i stworzenie Wszechświata
Kabbalah, Science and the Creation of the Universe

Author(s): Nathan Aviezer
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Instytut Filozofii, Uniwersytet Zielonogórski
Keywords: Kabbalah; sefirot; shevirat ha-kelim; string theory; spatial dimensions; cosmology; science; creation; Judaism

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the problem of the creation of the universe from a Kabbalah (viz. Jewish mysticism’s branch) point of view and asserts similarity of this account with one modern scientific hypothesis — namely, string theory. The correlation is put forward by highlighting the parallels between the assumed ten spatial dimensions of string theory and the ten sefirot of Kabbalah. The key role is played here by the kabbalistic (from the lurianic Kabbalah) concept of shevirat ha-kelim (“breaking of the vessels”). The author argues that the three upper, “intact” in the process of creation, sefirot (i.e. kelim) are the counterparts of the three perceived spatial dimensions (up-down, east-west, north-south), and the seven lower, “broken”, sefirot (kelim) are the counterparts of the string theory’s seven spatial dimensions compacted in the proccess of creation (hence not experienced by humans).

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 11
  • Page Range: 243-259
  • Page Count: 17
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