For the source text click/tap here: Chullin 138
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Once we have decided that the commandments indeed have reasons, and that it is appropriate to discuss those reasons, a new question arises: What kind of reasons do the commandments have?
The commandments may have social, ritual, mystical, psychological, and other kinds of reasons. Obviously, we cannot discuss here all the different approaches to the nature of the reasons for the commandments, but we will try to identify several central questions. It is also quite reasonable to distinguish among different types of commandments: some may have reasons of one kind and others reasons of another.
Ramban states “‘If a bird’s nest happens to be before you.’ This commandment, too, is explained by ‘You shall not slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day’ (Leviticus 22:28). For the reason for both is that we should not develop a cruel heart and become devoid of compassion; or perhaps Scripture does not permit us to engage in destruction that would eradicate a species, even though it permits slaughtering members of that species. Thus, one who kills the mother and the young on the same day, or takes them when they are free to fly away, is as though he were destroying the species.
We explore the rationale behind mitzvoth vs them as decrees.