Critical Assessment of the Nature of Moral Propositions from the Perspective of the Mohaqiq Isfahani

Ahmadi, Hossein

doi:10.22059/jop.2025.384393.1006857

Document Type : Scientific-research

Author

Hossein Ahmadi

Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran

10.22059/jop.2025.384393.1006857

Abstract

Ethical propositions such as "justice is necessary" are considered “mashhurat” (well-known or commonly accepted beliefs), which are propositions that gain general acceptance due to universal or specific group endorsement. Mohaqiq Isfahani deems their reality solely as constructs of rational individuals, according to the strict definition of “mashhurat”. Therefore, he regards ethical propositions as conventional. Furthermore, he sees a division between “mashhurat” and axioms; since he believes only axioms reveal true reality, from his perspective, “mashhurat”, which are distinct from axioms, possess no reality beyond the constructs of rational people, thus negating their reality. This research aims not only to elucidate the nature of ethical propositions from the perspective of Mohaqiq Isfahani and identify key factors influencing his viewpoint, but also to criticize the notion that “mashhurat” are distinct from illusions. Therefore, it seems incorrect to assert that “mashhurat” and axioms are separate categories; rather, foundational proofs should be divided in terms of the method of knowledge into “mashhurat” and illusions, and in terms of the value of knowledge into axioms and assumptions. Additionally, defining specific “mashhurat” as having no reality other than the constructs of rational individuals is an innovation of the Isfahani scholar. However, in the correct view, specific “mashhurat” should only be considered regarding their method of understanding, and the possibility of them having reality should not be dismissed.

Keywords

Main Subjects

philosophy

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Critical Assessment of the Nature of Moral Propositions from the Perspective of the Mohaqiq Isfahani

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Volume 22, Issue 2 - Serial Number 43March 2025Pages 25-43

Volume 22, Issue 2 - Serial Number 43
March 2025
Pages 25-43