Editing Gemara (section)

==Argumentation and debate==
[[File:Frankfort, Theologisch debat.jpg|thumb|"Theologisch debat" ([[Eduard Frankfort]], c. 1900), depicting a {{Transliteration|he|[[chavrusa]]}} debating a {{Transliteration|he|sugya}}]]
The distinctive character of the {{Transliteration|he|gemara}} derives largely from the intricate use of argumentation and debate, described above; 
these "back and forth" analytics are characterized by the Talmudic phrase ''shakla v'tarya'' (שקלא וטריא; lit. "taking and throwing"). 
In each {{Transliteration|he|sugya}}, either participant may cite scriptural, {{Transliteration|he|Mishnaic}} and {{Transliteration|he|Amoraic}} proof to build a [[Logical argument|logical support]] for their respective opinions. The process of deduction required to derive a conclusion from a prooftext is often logically complex and indirect. "Confronted with a statement on any subject, the Talmudic student will proceed to raise a series of questions before he satisfies himself of having understood its full meaning."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ohr.edu/judaism/articles/talmud.htm|title=Talmudic Method}}</ref> This analysis has been described as "mathematical" in approach; [[Adin Steinsaltz]] makes the analogy of the ''Amoraim'' as [[scientist]]s investigating the [[Halakha]], where the [[Tanakh]], [[Mishnah]], [[Tosefta]] and [[Halakhic Midrash|midrash]] are the [[phenomena]] studied.

===Prooftexts===
Prooftexts quoted to corroborate or disprove the respective opinions and [[theory|theories]] will include:
* verses from the Tanakh: the exact language employed is regarded as significant;
* other {{Transliteration|he|mishnayot}}: cross-references to analogous cases, or to parallel reasoning by the {{Transliteration|he|Tanna}} in question;
* ''[[Beraita|Beraitot]]'' (ברייתות) – uncodified {{Transliteration|he|mishnayot}} which are also sources of halakha (lit. outside material; sing. {{Transliteration|he|beraita}} ברייתא);
** references to opinions and cases in the {{Transliteration|he|[[Tosefta]]}} (תוספתא);
** references to the {{Transliteration|he|[[Halakhic Midrash]]}} ({{Transliteration|he|[[Midrash#Tannaitic|Mekhilta, Sifra and Sifre]]}});
* cross-references to other {{Transliteration|he|sugyot}}: again to analogous cases or logic.

===Questions addressed===
The actual debate will usually centre on the following categories:

====Language====
Why does the {{Transliteration|he|Mishna}} use one word rather than another? If a statement is not clear enough, the {{Transliteration|he|Gemara}} seeks to clarify the {{Transliteration|he|Mishna's}} intention.

====Logic====
Exploring the logical principles underlying the {{Transliteration|he|Mishnah's}} statements, and showing how different understandings of the {{Transliteration|he|Mishnah's}} reasons could lead to differences in their practical application. What underlying principle is entailed in a statement of fact or in a specific instance brought as an illustration? If a statement appears obvious, the {{Transliteration|he|Gemara}} seeks the logical reason for its necessity. It seeks to answer under which circumstances a statement is true, and what qualifications are permissible. All statements are examined for internal consistency.
See: [[List of Talmudic principles]] and [[:Category:Talmud concepts and terminology]]

====Legal====
Resolving contradictions, perceived or actual, between different statements in the {{Transliteration|he|Mishnah}}, or between the {{Transliteration|he|Mishnah}} and other traditions; e.g., by stating that: two conflicting sources are dealing with differing circumstances; or that they represent the views of different rabbis. Do certain authorities differ or not? If they do, why do they differ? If a principle is presented as a generalization, the {{Transliteration|he|Gemara}} clarifies how much is included; if an exception, how much is excluded.

====Biblical exposition====
Demonstrating how the {{Transliteration|he|Mishnah's}} rulings or disputes derive from interpretations of Biblical texts, the {{Transliteration|he|Gemara}} will often ask where in the [[Torah]] the {{Transliteration|he|Mishnah}} derives a particular law. See [[Talmudic hermeneutics]] and {{slink|Oral Torah #The interplay of the Oral and Written Law}}.