Academic Talmud in the Bet Midrash
In recent years, there has been an attempt in some circles to introduce various aspects of academic Talmud study into the world of the traditional study of Gemara. Not surprisingly, there has been at times vociferous opposition to the introduction of this material. It is worth briefly reviewing some of the academic methodologies and their potential positive contribution to the denizens of the traditional Bet Midrash. We will also consider some of the objections to the introduction of such methodologies, as well as possible responses to those objections.
Three things might commonly differentiate the study of Gemara in the Bet Midrash and the study of Talmud in the academy:
1) The goal of study
2) The attitude toward the authority of the text and the Sages therein