Philosophy

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Volume 2, Issue 2 , December 2004

Abstract

  Philosophy is often treated as a field of study next to science and as a result examined and evaluated by the standards and touchstones of the latter. Nevertheless, one should not forget ...  Read More Philosophy is often treated as a field of study next to science and as a result examined and evaluated by the standards and touchstones of the latter. Nevertheless, one should not forget that philosophy examines the possibility of all things including science itself, so it is wrong to oppose philosophy from a scienctific point of view. We can resolve many of the conflicts between philosophy and science once the differences between the two are clarified. It is a mistake to think that philosophy opposes science we know that science, particularly for the past four hundred years, has always been depend ant on philosophy and could not have come into being without it. Philosophy and science are not identical but interrelated. Science needs the support of philosophy and also relies on it for its liveliness and dynamism.

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Volume 2, Issue 2 , December 2004

Abstract

  Despite two thousand years of Aristotle’s dominion over philosophy, it is quite surprising that his most important concepts are still very controversial and prone to conflicting interpretations. ...  Read More Despite two thousand years of Aristotle’s dominion over philosophy, it is quite surprising that his most important concepts are still very controversial and prone to conflicting interpretations. One of the most central of these controversial concepts is the idea of the divine. The present article gives a comprehensive picture of Aristotle’s theology, which includes his views put forth in both the exoteric and the esoteric works. The first step to take is to show the falsity of those views which have reduced Aristotle’s theology to a mere study of the principles of natural sciences, and which attributed the divine characteristic of his theology to the heretic interpretations of Moslem commentators and philosophers. The next step is to prove the central position of theology in Aristotle via examples both from Metaphysics and some exoteric works of his. The article will particularly focus on some examples from Aristotle’s On Philosophy in order to portray the delicacy and depth of divine air about his thought.

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Volume 2, Issue 2 , December 2004

Abstract

  Almost all logicians agree on the definition of statement as a declarative sentence which can bear truth and falsity. Every statement is essentially either true or false, which is the ...  Read More Almost all logicians agree on the definition of statement as a declarative sentence which can bear truth and falsity. Every statement is essentially either true or false, which is the reason why determining the truth value of a statement is coherent with the principle of excluded middle. According to this principle, a statement can be either true or false and no third alternative is possible. This holds for all kinds of declarative statements with absolutely no exceptions. Nevertheless, since the dawn of philosophic thought, there have been people, particularly among Greek philosophers, who came up with statements that could cast a shadow of doubt over the aforementioned principle. These alleged counter-examples are what we know today as logical and semantical paradoxes which although of a great variety, they have some more famous instances which are more complicated and perhaps more practical. To mention the most well-known of the paradoxes we can refer to the Liar paradox whose resolution can lead to the resolution of all the others since they are all of one and the same nature. The present article focuses on the nature and origin of paradoxes as well as various attempts of logicians in resolving it.

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Volume 2, Issue 2 , December 2004

Abstract

  In the Third Meditation of his book Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes proposes an argument which is known as “the Arbiter’s sign”. There he provides two different accounts ...  Read More In the Third Meditation of his book Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes proposes an argument which is known as “the Arbiter’s sign”. There he provides two different accounts of this argument. The present article explains the first of the two accounts, which is more famous and more imporatnt than the second. Descartes’ arguments for the existence of God, including the argument at issue here, aroused many objections, which are of great importance. However, there is not enough room in the confinement of the present article to deal with objections and replies since this task requires a complete article of its own

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Volume 2, Issue 2 , December 2004

Abstract

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Volume 2, Issue 1 , May 2004

Abstract

  During the modern ages, particularly in the 18th century, the notion of philosophy went through much change. Philosophy found not only novel meanings but also many new uses. In the ...  Read More During the modern ages, particularly in the 18th century, the notion of philosophy went through much change. Philosophy found not only novel meanings but also many new uses. In the second half of the 18th century in order to specify the dominant cultural spirit of the time, in some cases the age was called “the age of philosophers”. In spite of how it may appear at first sight, there happened to be several purposes behind this choice, that is, this expression stood for various ideas, which were in a way or another held to be different or perhaps contradictory in the minds of that epoch. Now after two centuries this point seems to be quite provable. Any examination of this matter requires full knowledge of the goals pursued by all the scientists and thinkers who were influential in the developments of that age without having the same motivations or methods.

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Volume 2, Issue 1 , May 2004

Abstract

  The present article, last in the series on Plato’s divine philosophy, embarks on showing that the political philosophy of Plato, more than any other philosophical system in the world, ...  Read More The present article, last in the series on Plato’s divine philosophy, embarks on showing that the political philosophy of Plato, more than any other philosophical system in the world, in harmony with Shiite spiritual thought, is immersed in divinity and spirituality. The article begins with a very brief introduction to the spiritual system of Imamate in Shiite thought. Bringing various quotations from Plato himself, the article proceeds to prove that in Plato’s system only the righteous and the spiritual men, who have come to see the spiritual truths of the world and on top of them all “the Sublime Origin” or “the Good”, will be eligible and able to govern their society. Thus, among Plato’s directives for the state, the most important is to prepare proper grounds for the spiritual and moral improvements of the citizens. At the end the article cites some prominent Muslim Philosophers such as Farabi, Ave Cine, and Sohrevardi, in order to show the consistency of their views with the spiritual ideas of Plato’s regarding politics and state.

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Volume 2, Issue 1 , May 2004

Abstract

  Theology has always been considered as dependant on faith by all thinkers throughout history. This has never impeded the progress of rational thinking in theological fields, in spite ...  Read More Theology has always been considered as dependant on faith by all thinkers throughout history. This has never impeded the progress of rational thinking in theological fields, in spite of the contention of some theologians that the differentiation of reason and faith is the necessary condition for the realization of theology. Within Christian tradition it was not until late 13th century that this differentiation came out in the open. William of Ockham, like some other thinkers of his time, could not see the common borders between reason and faith, religious belief and certainty. This made him unaware of the compatibility between these two valuable gems. The present article is mainly concerned with the foundational ideas in Ockham’s theology, which can also help illuminate the status of religious thought in the 13th century.

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Volume 2, Issue 1 , May 2004

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  The mysterious character of the concept of time has made some thinkers contrast its being with its nature, considering the former evident while the latter unintelligible. This article ...  Read More The mysterious character of the concept of time has made some thinkers contrast its being with its nature, considering the former evident while the latter unintelligible. This article briefly explains the status of time from Kant’s point of view. After explaining the concept of time in the philosophy of David Hume, where it is conferred a totally new status in comparison with his predecessors, the article proceeds to explain the central position of this concept in Kant’s treatment of knowledge and consciousness. In Kant’s view no sense can be made of consciousness where there is no time present. To him being and time are interlocked to the effect that the former can not be understood without resorting to the latter

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Volume 2, Issue 1 , May 2004

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  At the time when the progress of natural and mathematical sciences was being seen as a limit for philosophy, and there remained only Nietzsche and Schopenhauer to attract a few, Brentano ...  Read More At the time when the progress of natural and mathematical sciences was being seen as a limit for philosophy, and there remained only Nietzsche and Schopenhauer to attract a few, Brentano managed to open up a new vista for philosophy. Husserl followed in his footsteps and founded phenomenology. It was also the influence of Brentano that led Meinong to object theory, which drew the attention of Russell. Max Scheler accepted Brentano’s views on moral values and on that basis came up with his content-oriented (non-formal) ethics later to be developed by Nicolai Hartmann. Thinking independently of Kant, Brentano contributed much to the development of metaphysics and ontology. He also placed a premium on psychology and theory of knowledge, and through his analysis of language anticipated the analytic tradition and proved that it did not exclusively belong with empiricism.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  Men and women, as humans, are equal, in view of the fact that they share the universal essence of humanity, while femininity and masculinity are accidental. So any perfection obtained ...  Read More Men and women, as humans, are equal, in view of the fact that they share the universal essence of humanity, while femininity and masculinity are accidental. So any perfection obtained by men is equally achievable by women and there is no perfection and rank beyond women’s reach even spiritual guardianship (Vilayat) and the state of the Perfect Human (Ghotbiat).The Holy Prophet himself, peace be upon him, regarded some women such as Imran’s daughter, the Virgin Mary, and Pharoah’s wife, Asia, as perfect humans. To acknowledge the nobility and perfection of women, it would suffice to notice the fact that God let them enjoy the prophets’ loving. God had His prophet, Moses, as great as he was, toil and labor as the marriage gift of a woman, Shoab’s daughter, and a woman’s action, Hagar’s Attempt between Safa and Marva, turn into a principle in divine legislation. From a mystic’s point of view women can even be superior to men on account of the fact that while man is the manifestation of divine activity, woman manifests both the activity and passivity of the divine. Furthermore, women smell of motherhood and maternity, such a sweet odor. As a result, they do deserve affection and respect since loving them is the legacy of the Holy Prophet and the way of God.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  The historians of Islamic philosophy usually consider Averroes as the last Islamic philosopher and his philosophy the last Islamic philosophy. In Islamic and Arabic countries save Iran, ...  Read More The historians of Islamic philosophy usually consider Averroes as the last Islamic philosopher and his philosophy the last Islamic philosophy. In Islamic and Arabic countries save Iran, after Averroes, philosophy has been abandoned and depressed. On the other hand, in spite of the fact that philosophical thinking and research did flow in Iran and the east of the Islamic world, philosophy and the philosophers of the west of the Islamic world were given no attention and there is barely any reference to Averroes in Iranian philosophical works. And so have Sohravardi and Mulla Sadra been treated with negligence by orientalists and the historians of philosophy. This article observes and analyses the aforesaid and the status of Averroes.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

Abstract

  The main target of Descartes’ philosophical arguments is to prove a unique universal science which could be achieved merely through a thorough and rational method. It should be noticed ...  Read More The main target of Descartes’ philosophical arguments is to prove a unique universal science which could be achieved merely through a thorough and rational method. It should be noticed that Descartes’ philosophy, which is based on rationalism, is at variance with the older traditions including those of the antiquity and middle Ages. That is so because Descarte’s main focus is modern sciences and his main attempt in the realm of First Philosophy is to prove the existence of a kind of reason that is not only well-equipped with method but also solely something to distinguish the sequence of things and comprehend the order of affairs. Moreover, First Philosophy has taken its final form as if by the dictates of the demands of this very method. This topic is discussed and analyzed in the present article considering different sciences and particular examples of this subject as presented by Descartes himself

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  The potential interpretation of Greek philosophy as a divine philosophy is the topic provoking thinkers and philosophers to contemplate and debate. In this article, with direct reference ...  Read More The potential interpretation of Greek philosophy as a divine philosophy is the topic provoking thinkers and philosophers to contemplate and debate. In this article, with direct reference to Plato’s works along with a brief interpretation and comparative analysis, the general atmosphere of Plato’s philosophy is viewed and analyzed from the above-mentioned angle. Also, based upon Plato’s original writings, it will be demonstrated that not only is Plato’s philosophy one of the most divine philosophies throughout history, but it is the mother” and source of all authentic divine thoughts.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  It is not possible to discuss Kant’s philosophy of mathematics independently of his philosophic system as a whole since the former is part and parcel of the latter, it should rather ...  Read More It is not possible to discuss Kant’s philosophy of mathematics independently of his philosophic system as a whole since the former is part and parcel of the latter, it should rather be dealt with within Kantian system. However, since Kant paid much attention to mathematical properties-that is, synthetic a priori propsitions which rest on intuition-so that he could found a new form of metaphysics, he came up with certain views on the principles of mathematics worthy of research and reflection. Moreover, as Kant’s philosophy is related to the mathematics of his era, it is not possible to reach the depth of his thought without having knowledge of the latter. This article at first place offers an overview of the history of mathematics and its interrelationship with philosophic systems, and then proceeds to deal with what Kant offers in connection with mathematics.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  Hegel was an eminent philosopher in the Enlightenment. The principles of his thought, which are deep down humanistic, consolidated the basis and foundation of the modern western civilization. ...  Read More Hegel was an eminent philosopher in the Enlightenment. The principles of his thought, which are deep down humanistic, consolidated the basis and foundation of the modern western civilization. The Humanistic aspect of Hegel’s philosophy could be summarized in the two following principles:(1) subjectivism, on which Hegel’s philosophy is founded, attempting to absolutize man, and (2) The deat (absence) of God. Although God is talked about all through Hegel’s philosophy, He is absent as such. In other words, when considering the absolute, Hegel humanizes God, and afterwards leaves that humanistic God behind, so when it comes to absolute Knowledge, there is no need of the traditional God. The article elaborates on these two points.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  The priority of thought over will, or vice versa, has been the subject of long-standing disputes, as the philosophers have for the most part supported the priority of thought and a ...  Read More The priority of thought over will, or vice versa, has been the subject of long-standing disputes, as the philosophers have for the most part supported the priority of thought and a certain group of theologians argued for the priority of will. Considering will as prior to thought, the latter have argued that Devine Providence is prior to Devine Knowledge and Wisdom. We can find a similar idea among the philosophers of modern times, of whom we will refer to Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and some others.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  In his various books Avicenna has propounded a theory of judgment which is accepted by Logician Abhary. The theory can be called the propositional theory of judgment. The theory is ...  Read More In his various books Avicenna has propounded a theory of judgment which is accepted by Logician Abhary. The theory can be called the propositional theory of judgment. The theory is heavily criticized by Tusi in his Naghd - altanzil. Razi, in his Essay, Resaleh - Ma’moolah, defended Avicenna - Abhary’s theory of judgment, and tried to show that Tusi’s arguments against the theory are defective. The purpose of this article is to articulate Razi’s assessment of Tusi’s criticisms and to show that Razi’s rejection of Tusi’s arguments is unfair and misleading in its crucial points, and that he misunderstands Tusi’s central argument set forth by a differentiation he makes between the primary judgment and the secondary judgment. Some further evidences are offered in support of Tusi’s theory also.

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Volume 1, Issue 2 , December 2002

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  The well-known Japanese thinker and orientalist, Tushihiku Izutsu, devoted a large part of his works to comparative studies. The method he adopted in doing so, Henri Corbin calls it, ...  Read More The well-known Japanese thinker and orientalist, Tushihiku Izutsu, devoted a large part of his works to comparative studies. The method he adopted in doing so, Henri Corbin calls it, is meta-historical. In the historical method of traditional academic studies, all thoughts are subject to their time and place and, as a result, dominated by historical relativity. It was in opposition to this historical approach that phenomenology appeared on the stage of contemporary philosophy and paved the way for comparative studies. Izutsu embarked on comparing those philosophic systems, which share a common ground but differ in historical and sociological details. Izutsu’s Sufism and Tao’s Religion• was the outcome of the application of this very method. Moreover, Izutsu also went beyond dialogue and comparative studies toward a state which, transcends dialogue, the state of mondo in. zen Buddhism or “sympathy” as it is called by great Sufis such as Molavi, where there is no intention of communicating thoughts or information. This article offers a discussion and analysis of the two mentioned states - meta-historical dialogue and meta-dialogue- as presented by Izutsu.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2002

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  The Philosophy of Descartes is not only known to be rationalistic, but in a seuse is almost a perfect example of applying reason in modern times. We mean a reason that is mobilized ...  Read More The Philosophy of Descartes is not only known to be rationalistic, but in a seuse is almost a perfect example of applying reason in modern times. We mean a reason that is mobilized with a method and the principles of the same method which is used as its own definition. In any case, in Cartesian rationalism, the mathematical method penet rates the principles of mind and transforms the content of reason. on the other hand, since Descartes does not acknowledge the possibility of knowing the final causes within his own method, the obtained certitude ends up in some sort of relativism. He apposes in a way the superficial dogmatism in order to preserve future possibilities.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2002

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  There is more in the significance of Reason and Love in man’s life and destiny than meets the eye, and the necessity of a comprehensive research and has always been profoundly felt. ...  Read More There is more in the significance of Reason and Love in man’s life and destiny than meets the eye, and the necessity of a comprehensive research and has always been profoundly felt. Despite numerous works under the separate titles: Reason and Love, very little has been sone on their interaction and interrelationship. The article deals with the subject considering the views of Borhan - Al- Din Mohaghegh -e - Termezi. the guru and a close companion of Molavi, and the book: Theology and a Commentary on Muhammad and the Victory Chapters of Qu’ran.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2002

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  Aiming at defining the nature of Islamic philosophy, the present series of articles enquires into a wide variety of issues each of which serves this purpose in a particular way. Since ...  Read More Aiming at defining the nature of Islamic philosophy, the present series of articles enquires into a wide variety of issues each of which serves this purpose in a particular way. Since Greek philosophy has been one of the most important sources for the philosophical tradition in the world of Islam, it is necessary to discuss the nature of the former as one of the early links. The article has undertaken to show that Greek philosophy is by nature divine, as a proof of which it presents a survery of Plato, who is here regarded as the greatest of all Greek philosophers. The main concerns of the survey are those of plato’s views that prove his philosophy to be divine and indicate a correspondence between its coordinates and those of any divine philosophy.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2002

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  Logic has been defined as a scince or technique, which helps our minds keep away from some fallacies, but the question has always been asked how it is applied in the realm of theology ...  Read More Logic has been defined as a scince or technique, which helps our minds keep away from some fallacies, but the question has always been asked how it is applied in the realm of theology and if theoretical problems can be proved or disproved by it. In an essay concerning God’s absolute and eternal knowledge from the standpoint of Alexander of Aphrodisiac and Proclus, Mario Mignocci has claimed that the complexities of this issue can be dispelled or diminished through the application of logic. The present article, considering both merits and of Mignocci’s essay, presents a thorough analysis of it.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2002

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  The main objective of this article is to show, firstly, that pragmatism is built on some doctrines that are associated with Humanism, and in being so, it is in principle a Humanistic ...  Read More The main objective of this article is to show, firstly, that pragmatism is built on some doctrines that are associated with Humanism, and in being so, it is in principle a Humanistic school, and that its evident achievement on the social and cultura levels in America has led to the development of a wide range of humanists who believe in modern humanism, which is also known as scientific humanism, or in humanistic naturalism. The article opens with an introduction to pragmatism and humanism, and then proceeds to discuss their ralation through an enquiry both into the doctrines of pragmatism and its relation to the modern American humanism.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2002

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  Plato’s doctrine of recollection is often identified with innatism, and he is said to be an innatist, the present paper, alongside with explaining this doctrine and other related ...  Read More Plato’s doctrine of recollection is often identified with innatism, and he is said to be an innatist, the present paper, alongside with explaining this doctrine and other related dortrines in Plato’s epistemology, argues that the doctrine of recollection is not necessarily the same as innatism. It is a matter of fact that, in Plato perception and intellectual epistemic activity play an important role in the acquisition of knowledge

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