It therefore is very troubling that there are those who say insist that it is forbidden to believe that Chazal were mistaken in matters of science. There are just too many instances of nature quoted in the Gemarah that contradict what we know today. That lice produce asexually is just one error.
Avraham Ben HaRambam must have concluded that Chazal were mistaken for similar reasons. But it isn’t only him. It appears that even R’ Elyashiv may have conceded this point. And yet it is said in his name that it is forbidden to believe it.
In my view it is a gross error to say that it is heresy to say that Chazal were mistaken in science. Not that one must have this view. But to say it is forbidden to believe it is a huge mistake.
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