Mordechai Bendon asked:
Daf 4b has a machlochet between Rebbi Akiva and Rebbi Shimon ben Elazar.
Rebbi Akiva had a talmid called rebbi Meir. Rebbi Meir was a contemporary of Rebbi Yehuda HaNasi who had a talmid called Rebbi Shimon ben Elazar. So why would Rebbi Akiva be arguing with someone 3 generations his junior?
What am I missing here?
Mordechai Bendon, Mitzpe Nevo, Israel
The Kollel replies:
Many of the dialogues quoted in the Talmud did not actually take place. The "argument" was deduced by later generations who found earlier authorities having opposing views. The dialogue of the Gemara is actually later authorities explaining the views of their predecessors.
D Zupnik