Neither a conscious decision to remain ignorant of ma’aseh bereshit and the social and natural sciences, nor an attitude of blind obedience to human authority are religious ideals with any basis in Talmudic Judaism. Da’at torah is a relatively recent phenomenon, partially inspired by Roman Catholic teachings on papal infallibility (See Jacob Katz’s research on this issue). Hazal, the Rambam, Rav Hirsch, Rabbeinu Bechaye, etc. all attest to the great need to be schooled in all areas of higher knowledge. Sanhedrin 17a even attests to the need for education in comparative religion.
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