The Meaning of Life
Ali Ahmadi Amin; Mohammad Mahdi Monadi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Ontological inquiry constitutes one of the central concerns of metaethics. Within this field, theories are commonly divided into two main categories: realist and non-realist. While this primary distinction is well established, the secondary classifications and internal variations ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Ontological inquiry constitutes one of the central concerns of metaethics. Within this field, theories are commonly divided into two main categories: realist and non-realist. While this primary distinction is well established, the secondary classifications and internal variations within realism have received comparatively little attention. Many of the enduring ambiguities in moral philosophy arise from the lack of a precise differentiation among realist positions. This study aims to address that gap by re-examining the ontological foundations and typological distinctions within moral realism.METHOD & FINDING: Using an analytical–descriptive method, this study differentiates between two distinct forms of moral realism—rationalist realism and sentimentalist realism—and explicates their respective implications. Representative approaches of sentimentalist realism include hedonism, Isaiah Berlin’s notion of negative liberty, Karl Popper’s reduction of suffering, and Benthamite utilitarianism. In contrast, MacIntyre’s virtue ethics, scientism, and perfectionism exemplify rationalist realism. The implications of rationalist realism can be summarized as follows: 1. The possibility of rational justification for moral judgments; 2. The dependence of moral values on ontological realities; 3. The possibility of moral preference in cases of ethical conflict based purely on ontological grounds; 4. The capacity to identify and prioritize the virtuous individual; 5. The derivability of “ought” from “is” on rational premises alone; 6. Monism is grounded in a single rational proposition; 7. Absolutism grounded in an absolute rational principle.CONCLUSION: While sentimentalist realism shares certain structural features with other realist frameworks, it diverges from rationalist realism in several essential respects, particularly regarding the role of sentiment, taste, and individual inclination in grounding moral value. This distinction underscores the need for a more nuanced typology of moral realism within contemporary metaethical discourse.
The Meaning of Life
Hamid Balochi Marj; Hamid Reza Alavi; Morad Yari Dehnavi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Educational experts have examined the importance of incorporating art and aesthetics into education. They argue that despite the well-documented benefits of art in achieving educational objectives across intellectual, emotional, religious, and ethical domains, its integration ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Educational experts have examined the importance of incorporating art and aesthetics into education. They argue that despite the well-documented benefits of art in achieving educational objectives across intellectual, emotional, religious, and ethical domains, its integration into educational settings remains incomplete. There is a need for extensive research on the effectiveness of artistic and aesthetic approaches in various educational curricula, including medical and higher education. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of engagement with art and aesthetics on the intellectual, emotional, religious, and ethical education of artists’ lived experiences.METHOD & FINDING: The current research utilized a qualitative and phenomenological approach, focusing on diverse artists representing various art forms. The participants in this qualitative and phenomenological study were 19 artists from different fields of art in Kerman, a province of Iran, who were chosen via purposive sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with MAXQDA software (version 2021), using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Artists’ experiences demonstrate that engagement with art and beauty triggers significant transformations in various aspects of life, influencing habits, preferences, modes of expression, and even appearance. The study shows that education involving art and beauty encourages reflection, thinking, understanding, and hands-on learning. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be paid to the relationship between art and beauty and its influence on formal and informal education. Moreover, the principles of aesthetics should be taken into consideration in curriculum planning and teaching, and classroom methods.
The Meaning of Life
Hamid Emamifar; Hamid Reza Goodarzi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Near-death experiences (NDEs) have garnered significant attention, particularly in recent years. Existing explanations in this field have often failed to provide a comprehensive analysis of these experiences due to their neglect of ontological and anthropological dimensions. ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Near-death experiences (NDEs) have garnered significant attention, particularly in recent years. Existing explanations in this field have often failed to provide a comprehensive analysis of these experiences due to their neglect of ontological and anthropological dimensions. This study aims to offer a religious ontological explanation of NDEs by drawing on Quranic verses and narrations related to the nature of the world and human existence.METHOD & FINDING: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing Islamic religious texts to explore the immaterial dimension of the human soul and its connection to ʿĀlam al-Barzakh (the intermediate realm). According to religious teachings, when the soul's attention to the body diminishes and sensory faculties cease their activity, the soul, aided by the faculty of imagination, perceives phenomena. The faculty of imagination has several characteristics that may influence these perceptions, including the creation of unreal images, the retention of past observations, the potential influence of Satan, and its connection to the intermediate realm. Islamic scriptures describe existence as encompassing multiple realms, from Khazāʾin ʿind Allāh (the divine treasuries) to ʿĀlam al-Dunyā (the material world), with the intermediate realm bearing significant similarities to NDEs. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of religious literature, it appears that when the soul's attention to the material dimension decreases, it may enter the intermediate realm and experience real observations. These observations, however, occur for specific individuals and may, in some cases, be influenced by their imagination, leading to perceptions that are limited to imaginary constructs. This study highlights the importance of integrating ontological and anthropological dimensions into the analysis of near-death experiences, offering a framework rooted in Islamic teachings.
The Meaning of Life
Mohammad Jawad Yaqubi; Ahmad Shakernejad; Mohammad RezaPoor
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The analysis of the nature, characteristics, and differences of modern spiritualism with religious spirituality can be considered as one of the most important challenges and problems that have faced spirituality and mysticism. Today, the confrontation between modern spirituality ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The analysis of the nature, characteristics, and differences of modern spiritualism with religious spirituality can be considered as one of the most important challenges and problems that have faced spirituality and mysticism. Today, the confrontation between modern spirituality and religious spirituality has become very colourful, such that modern spirituality seeks to discredit and contradict religious spirituality. Therefore, they mainly seek to present non-religious spirituality based on the inefficiency of religious spirituality. From the perspective of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khāmeneī, religious spirituality is a ‘Revolutionary’ spirituality, which is equivalent to Jihadi spirituality, characterized by civilization, justice, revolution, epic, liberation from domination, martyrdom, and progressivism, as evident in his statements.METHOD & FINDING: Using the analytical-descriptive method, the findings of the research indicate that the practical functions of Islamic spirituality based on the thought of the Supreme Leader combining the triad ‘spirituality, rationality, justice’ in the individual and family arena (lifestyle) are: prosperity and happiness, scientific growth, security, comfort and well-being, hope, independence and freedom, honour and dignity, Justice, financial well-being, heart luminosity which lead towards ‘good life.’CONCLUSION: In the Islamic spirituality of Ayatollah Khāmeneī, the unity of materiality and spirituality is very prominent. In his careful inference, the way to achieve spirituality in the personal and family spheres is crucial, encompassing both worldly and material life, while it is considered the main pillar of leading a pure, Quranic life.
The Meaning of Life
Mohammad Mahmood Khalfan; Mustafa Farhoudi; Ali Fazli
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Islamic Mysticism presents three fundamental ontological dimensions of the Perfect Human: the personal, the divine, and the creational. In this paper, our main focus will be the third dimension, which underscores his supremacy and sovereignty over the entire hierarchy ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Islamic Mysticism presents three fundamental ontological dimensions of the Perfect Human: the personal, the divine, and the creational. In this paper, our main focus will be the third dimension, which underscores his supremacy and sovereignty over the entire hierarchy of the self-disclosures of God. We aim to prove some of the fundamental characteristics of this dimension introduced by authorities of mysticism through subtleties drawn from the Quran and Sunnah based on the principles of esoteric interpretation as understood by authorities of mysticism.METHOD & FINDING: This research tries to establish a dialogue between the characteristics of the mystical doctrine of the Perfect Human and the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah by using the comparative-analytical method and citing library sources. Evidence from the Quran and Ḥadīth appropriate to each characteristic and property of the Perfect Human after depicting its ontological status and providing a mystical exposition of the same is provided. Such evidence is not confined to mere explicit similarity apparent at the level of words but also considers content compatibility that resonates with the spirit of the religious text. CONCLUSION: According to the Quran and Sunnah, the Perfect Human has ontological characteristics such as being Rūḥ al-ʿAlam (the spirit of the universe), Wāsiṭat al-Fayḍ (the principal intermediary of divine grace), and al-Shafāʿah al-Kubrā (the station of his supreme intercession). Whilst analyzing the Quranic verses and Ḥadīth, one realizes that the perfect human spoken about in mysticism is not different from the Infallible Imam of the Twelver Shi‘as.
The Meaning of Life
Morteza Agha Mohammadi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This paper examines the cognitive challenges "Generation Z" faces and offers guidance based on Islamic teachings to address these issues.METHOD & FINDING: Utilizing a descriptive and analytical approach, the article identifies key challenges as the virtual-real-life ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This paper examines the cognitive challenges "Generation Z" faces and offers guidance based on Islamic teachings to address these issues.METHOD & FINDING: Utilizing a descriptive and analytical approach, the article identifies key challenges as the virtual-real-life imbalance, susceptibility to gaslighting, information overload, the pursuit of instant gratification, and a diminished attention span. Islamic teachings offer practical solutions to these challenges. The paper is based on Cognitive-Behavioural Theory (CBT) as its theoretical framework.CONCLUSION: From an Islamic perspective, practical strategies for enhancing the cognitive well-being of this generation include appreciating the value of time, fostering self-awareness, promoting Wasaṭīyyah (moderation), cultivating Ṣilah ar-Raḥim (genuine relationships) especially with family, regulating desires, verifying information before acceptance, seeking beneficial knowledge, managing time effectively, practicing self-reflection, encouraging critical thinking, developing patience, expressing gratitude, practicing Khushūʾ (mindfulness in worship), reciting and contemplating the Qur’an, avoiding excessive entertainment, engaging in social interaction, and seeking guidance from scholars. The mentioned factors are crucial in overcoming the challenges encountered by Generation Z.
The Meaning of Life
Mohammad Javad Zahraeifar; Hassan Zarei Matin; Mohammad Sheta Badra
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: In their quest for survival, organizations must comprehend and adapt to the evolving conditions of the modern environment. This necessity fosters organizational dynamism and enhances productivity. In the meantime, human resources, as the vital force of the organization, play ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: In their quest for survival, organizations must comprehend and adapt to the evolving conditions of the modern environment. This necessity fosters organizational dynamism and enhances productivity. In the meantime, human resources, as the vital force of the organization, play a crucial role in fulfilling its mission and vision. Therefore, the recruitment and development of human resources emerge as fundamental components of effective human resource management. This study aims to investigate serious games in organizational talent management, with a focus on serious games.METHOD & FINDING: This research employed a mixed-method approach, and thematic analysis was utilized to explore the typology of serious games and examine their impact on two dimensions: talent attraction and development and their influence on enhancing the quality of organizational human work life. Also, an expert panel of seven human resources professionals, experienced in assessment centers and serious games, facilitated the thematic search process.CONCLUSION: In terms of categorizing serious games in talent management and their role in enhancing the QWL for organizational humans, 188 codes were extracted, of which sixteen core themes were related to talent attraction and development. Of the sixteen themes identified, three themes were focused on talent attraction: role-playing, oral presentation, and gamified psychological testing. Six themes were dedicated to talent development: educational energizers, educational icebreakers, educational nudges, escape rooms, storytelling, and virtual simulations. Additionally, seven themes were effective for both talent attraction and development: boot camps, group discussions, board games, case studies, handicraft creation, information search, and gamification.
The Meaning of Life
Hasan Mohiti Ardakan
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Moral realism means that moral values are real regardless of feelings and emotions, collective agreement, and the orders of anyone. This article aims to explain the relationship between Mulla Ṣadrā's viewpoint and moral realism, as well as the influence of his thoughts on ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Moral realism means that moral values are real regardless of feelings and emotions, collective agreement, and the orders of anyone. This article aims to explain the relationship between Mulla Ṣadrā's viewpoint and moral realism, as well as the influence of his thoughts on our lives. METHOD & FINDING: The research benefitted from an analytical-descriptive method. At first, by referring to all the works of Mulla Ṣadrā, his moral ontological foundations were deduced, and based on his statements and foundations, it was analyzed in an integrated manner and finally, its effect on pure life has been explained. We have concluded that based on Mulla Ṣadrā's idea, he is a realist. We can enumerate the following shreds of evidence to prove this claim: 1) The reality of the moral criterion, 2) The criticism of divine command theory, 3) The real basis of moral judgments, 4) The consequences of moral judgments, and 5) The manifestation of inner attributes. Additionally, we have demonstrated that action based on the realistic foundations of Mulla Ṣadrā will direct life towards a divine life with true happiness and will suggest a different way of life.CONCLUSION: Action based on the realistic principles of Mulla Ṣadrā will guide life towards a divine life with true happiness and will suggest a different way of life.
The Meaning of Life
Asghar Ali; Syed Mahdi Hoseini; Hamid Rezania Shirazi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The emergence of the epistemic system of modernism and its epistemological requirements has caused Eastern societies, including the Islamic world, conflicts such as the conflict between religion and development and efforts to resolve it. This research aims to explain the pattern ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The emergence of the epistemic system of modernism and its epistemological requirements has caused Eastern societies, including the Islamic world, conflicts such as the conflict between religion and development and efforts to resolve it. This research aims to explain the pattern of the new Islamic civilization by emphasizing the views of Muẓaffar ‘Iqbāl from the book Islam and Science. Also, most Muslim thinkers view the relationship between Islam and its efficiency in new scientific topics, including development, as positive and admirable.METHOD & FINDING: Using the method of qualitative analysis and referring to his books, essays, and other thinkers, it has been found that the Islamic scientific tradition began at the time of the Prophet. Additionally, Islamic scientists have continued this movement throughout history with ups and downs and have rejected the discussion of conflict that has been raised by Westerners, especially Goldzihar's theory which denied the connection between Islam and science.CONCLUSION: According to Muẓaffar ‘Iqbāl, Islam is a comprehensive religion and these views and scientific theories are always changing and can be modified. Therefore, he does not consider them comparable to Islamic texts. In Muẓaffar ‘Iqbāl 's view, the Islamic tradition, relying on the approach of complementarity, can create and guide a comprehensive civilization and provide a pattern of progress in the new era.
The Meaning of Life
Hamzeh Mohammadabadi; Syed Hamid Reza Alavi; Morad Yari Dehnavi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This study discusses some main approaches in philosophical counseling and explains Ali Ṣafāei Ḥāeri’s approach based on his works. METHOD & FINDING: This fundamental and qualitative study adopted a theoretical descriptive-analytical method. Ali Ṣafāei ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This study discusses some main approaches in philosophical counseling and explains Ali Ṣafāei Ḥāeri’s approach based on his works. METHOD & FINDING: This fundamental and qualitative study adopted a theoretical descriptive-analytical method. Ali Ṣafāei Ḥāeri’s approach can be called a truth-oriented self-transformation approach based on logical and refined thinking. The difference between his approach and others is that he draws a coherent thought system in which each sub-approach has a specific place. Moreover, he does not consider human life confined to short-term material life.CONCLUSION: In his approach, thinking should be freed from deviations, and human knowledge should start from immediate perceptions by raising fundamental questions. In the right raw materials, deliberation is done, the power of thought makes conclusions, and the results are compared with the power of reasoning and emulation. The power of perfectionism determines the best goals and the best way to reach them while man chooses with his own free will. Using these cognitions, man reaches the correct worldview and understanding based on the truth about human beings, existence, creator, purpose, and role of humans. These bits of knowledge are developed through reminders and exercises, and the philosophical advisor plays his role in all these stages.
The Meaning of Life
Shahabodin Vahidi Mehrajardi; Mohammad Meftah; Amir Hossein Meftah
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Throughout history, the concept of human identity has been a challenging topic in philosophy, with the responses of philosophers influencing various branches of science. In contemporary Western philosophy, there has been a shift towards viewing humans solely as physical beings. ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Throughout history, the concept of human identity has been a challenging topic in philosophy, with the responses of philosophers influencing various branches of science. In contemporary Western philosophy, there has been a shift towards viewing humans solely as physical beings. However, Islamic philosophy takes a different approach, rooted in rationality and the teachings of Islam. The Misbah Yazdi is a prominent Muslim philosopher who greatly contributed to the field and shed light on many philosophical issues. He derived the concept of human identity from Islamic philosophy, enriching it with Islamic teachings and offering a solution to the puzzle of human identity. He defined human beings based on their soul, rather than simply considering humans as a combination of body and soul.METHOD & FINDING: This research applies a qualitative approach with a critical analysis method. The primary finding of this article is to elucidate the key differences between Islamic and Western philosophy, focusing on Misbah Yazdi's perspective.CONCLUSION: The fundamental disparity between Islamic and Western philosophy concerning human identity lies in the concept of the soul. According to Islamic philosophy, the soul defines an individual's uniqueness, providing them with a clear and stable personality and identity. In contrast, Western philosophy leaves the identity of human beings shrouded in deep ambiguity. Misbah Yazdi presents a distinctive approach to this topic, offering insights and solutions that warrant further exploration.
The Meaning of Life
Hamidreza Qolizadeh; Emdad Touran
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Since the early centuries of Islam, there have been numerous discussions on the subjects of disbelief and faith, as well as examples of both in Islamic society, which refer to believers and disbelievers. Meanwhile, the authors of sectarian books like “Milal wa Nihal” ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Since the early centuries of Islam, there have been numerous discussions on the subjects of disbelief and faith, as well as examples of both in Islamic society, which refer to believers and disbelievers. Meanwhile, the authors of sectarian books like “Milal wa Nihal” have tackled this matter from a sectarian perspective, frequently attempting to differentiate the Heretical sects from the Saved ones. Based on this, this research aims to examine the approach of Islamic sect-historiographers on faith and disbelief and happiness and misery.METHOD & FINDING: Based on the works of Islamic Islamic sect-historiographers who have benefited from a descriptive-analytic approach, this study covers the first five centuries of Islamic history. Research indicates that the topic of faith and disbelief in the writings of Muslim sectarians is influenced by the sect to which they belonged, to the extent that the regulation and prioritization of this issue is evident in their works.CONCLUSION: The findings of the research demonstrate that Muslim sectarians occasionally attempt to disparage rival sects in their writings by employing improper language, blaming them for not believing in a Hereafter, or even accusing followers of other sects of being deviant Muslims.
The Meaning of Life
Zohre-Sadat Nabavi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Faith and righteous deeds are common concepts in the Holy Qur’an that are often used together. Hence, the question is to know what results can be obtained in life with faith and righteous deeds. This question includes benefit and purpose, earthly or supernatural ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Faith and righteous deeds are common concepts in the Holy Qur’an that are often used together. Hence, the question is to know what results can be obtained in life with faith and righteous deeds. This question includes benefit and purpose, earthly or supernatural consequences, immediate or delayed results, and individual and social effects.METHOD & FINDING: The article benefitted from a logical-analytical method. Conceptual, propositional, and systemic approaches analyzed the lifestyle and the relationship between belief and righteous deeds in the exegeses (Tafasir) of the Qur’an. Furthermore, this article used the comparative approach to classify the exegetical perspectives. Various studies have been applied in the article including the study of the effects of faith and righteous deeds, the connection between faith and righteous deeds as well as their impacts and consequences through establishing cause and effect between faith and righteous deeds as well as implications and proposal of a hypothesis that would require a methodological approach to the study.CONCLUSION: Faith and righteous deeds are the two wings of human promotion to attain humanity, and understand the Caliphate of God. To achieve purpose and dignity in the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, righteous deeds are the outward reflection of true faith. The combination and impact of the two vital elements of faith and righteous deeds in the soul and personality of man is stable.
The Meaning of Life
Tayebeh Dehghanpour Farashah; Mohammad Mahdi Gorjian Arabi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This research evaluates and critiques the philosophical foundations of Bourdieu’s theory of Cultural Capital through the lens of Allameh Tabataba'i. Therefore, the goal is to examine the fundamental concepts and their interrelationships.METHOD & FINDING: Conducting ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This research evaluates and critiques the philosophical foundations of Bourdieu’s theory of Cultural Capital through the lens of Allameh Tabataba'i. Therefore, the goal is to examine the fundamental concepts and their interrelationships.METHOD & FINDING: Conducting a documentary study of the development of Cultural Capital theory and its dimensions in Bourdieu’s works, the basic concepts are first explained concerning the term cultural capital and then evaluated from the perspective of Tabataba'i’s philosophical foundations.CONCLUSION: Prior research conducted in the West has shown that the concept of Cultural Capital has been revised in each period according to the societal conditions of the time and place. However, domestic research has often used the concept of Cultural Capital in a format similar to Bourdieu’s framework, without revision, and without taking into account local cultural foundations. The article argues that Cultural Capital represents the possession of human-divine capital, a concern that Bourdieu’s literature does not address but deserves critical attention. By considering Tabataba'i’s divine philosophical foundations including his theory of contingents, a reinterpretation of Bourdieu’s theory of Cultural Capital takes on a new and native character. By removing certain philosophical underpinnings of Bourdieu, this theory can present a novel manifestation about the stability of thought in the realm of culture.
The Meaning of Life
Amir Karimi; Fatemeh Sharifi; Kourosh Fathi; Ika Maryani; Khairul Hafezad Abdullah
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Sometimes, the boundaries of ethics have been broken in online education, and COVID-19 has unconsciously provided the necessary grounds for this tension. The need to know the obstacles and practical solutions to solve this problem is the issue of this research for finding ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Sometimes, the boundaries of ethics have been broken in online education, and COVID-19 has unconsciously provided the necessary grounds for this tension. The need to know the obstacles and practical solutions to solve this problem is the issue of this research for finding pure life. It is deemed essential to conduct a scientometric analysis in the domain of Ethics Education during the COVID-19 era to identify focal points and examine existing gaps in research.METHOD & FINDING: The research employs a descriptive-applied methodology, following the filtration process, 1000 articles were selected for analysis using Excel and VOS Viewer software to examine and present the data. The findings reveal a rising trend in the number of articles, with 2023 having the highest count (1,422). Additionally, Social Science & Medicine secured the top position with 228 articles. The position of medical sciences was significant due to the attention to ethics in the process of education and treatment.CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted ethics education, according to some, it was done with a plan and interest. The pandemic has led to increased mental health concerns, anxiety, depression, and changes in teaching strategies. Overlay visualizations show the relationship between the pandemic's stages and the adoption of educational technology in ethical education. Ethics education for pure living emphasizes the integration of ethical ideas into education to promote purity, integrity, and moral well-being. Finally, some parts of Islamic education increased in this era by virtual platforms.
The Meaning of Life
Ali Jafari; Mohammad Emil
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This research explored the concept of human perfection through the lenses of Ibn Arabi’s Mysticism and Theravada Buddhism Mysticism. The aim was to create a dialogue between Buddhism and Ibn Arabi's mysticism, and to shed light on the similarities and differences in their ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This research explored the concept of human perfection through the lenses of Ibn Arabi’s Mysticism and Theravada Buddhism Mysticism. The aim was to create a dialogue between Buddhism and Ibn Arabi's mysticism, and to shed light on the similarities and differences in their perspectives on human perfection.METHOD & FINDING: This research presented a comparative research study of the profound mystical teachings of Ibn Arabi, a renowned Sufi mystic, and Theravada Buddhism, the oldest existing school of Buddhism. The study examined the nature of self, the significance of the spiritual journey, and the role of love in both traditions. This study found that in the approach of the perfect human from Ibn Arabi's viewpoint, a individual achieves unity with the divine; While Theravada Buddhism seeks human perfection through the attainment of the Arhat, a liberated being free from suffering and ignorance.CONCLUSION: The study offered a comprehensive understanding of human perfection from Ibn Arabi's and Buddhist mystical perspectives, and revealed that both traditions challenge the conventional understanding of self and advocate for a transcendent perspective that seeks to realize the ultimate reality of existence. The study also showed that both traditions have different metaphysical and ontological assumptions, as well as different methods and practices of meditation and contemplation. Finally, concluded that the comparative study of Ibn Arabi’s Mysticism and Theravada Buddhism Mysticism can enhance dialogue and understanding, as well as provide insights into the nature of human existence.
The Meaning of Life
Hamzeh Ali Islaminasab; Hamid Moridian
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The emergent spiritualities have a special and new look at man and his relationship with the Almighty God, leading to humanism in some cases. Deepak Chopra believes man has a lot of ability due to his mind and he can know God without the need for divine religions. He can also ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The emergent spiritualities have a special and new look at man and his relationship with the Almighty God, leading to humanism in some cases. Deepak Chopra believes man has a lot of ability due to his mind and he can know God without the need for divine religions. He can also behave like God and participate in the creation of the Universe with the Almighty God and control the material world and the universe. On the other hand, Mulla Sadra considers all human abilities to be related to his Nafs (soul), which can possess abilities and dominate existence if connected to God Almighty.METHOD & FINDING: This article is a critical research answering the question of what the position of humans in the universe is. The findings of the research show that Chopra imagined that divine religions were created to nurture and develop human abilities, especially the physical type; While the purpose of divine religions is the spiritual evolution of man.CONCLUSION: Using the qualitative method in the analysis of Chopra's writings based on Mulla Sadra's views, we can draw the following conclusion: Although man is composed of two domains, Nafs (soul) and the body, his most important domain is his soul, for which, although man has abilities, his abilities are due to his connection to the Almighty God.
The Meaning of Life
Mehran Najafi; Hadi Vakili
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The psychological aspect of pure life is connected with mental health. Therefore, it is one of the important elements of a good life that contributes to meaningful living. One cannot live a happy life and use the all faculties of his soul unless acquires inner peace. This article ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The psychological aspect of pure life is connected with mental health. Therefore, it is one of the important elements of a good life that contributes to meaningful living. One cannot live a happy life and use the all faculties of his soul unless acquires inner peace. This article proposes interdisciplinary research that contains educational psychology, logic, and philosophy. We will indicate how fuzzy logic could change the human view of mental health and pure life.METHOD & FINDING: In this research, the terms mind and health will be considered to shed light on the concept of mental health. Firstly, we argue in favor of the dichotomy between mind and body. Then, the definition of health is analyzed by concepts of normality and irritating mode. Also, utilizing educational psychology, fuzzy thinking, and philosophy of mind, a new definition of mental health will be proposed. In general, it will be indicated that by holding fuzzy approaches to mental states, the definition of health and illness and its subcategories have new interpretations.CONCLUSION: Fuzzy thinking creates a new viewpoint that sees the world and its events as an integration of contradictions such as health-illness and meaningful-meaningless life. The more mental states match health norms, the happier life will be. Therefore, the talk of the grades of inner peace and happy life is possible unless is fuzzy logic applied.
The Meaning of Life
Ali Ghanbarian; Ali Asgari Yazdi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Pleasure motivates humans in pleasant and unpleasant behaviors. Numerous ethical schools have discussed pleasure. Some schools have embraced hedonism. One of these schools is utilitarianism. In the Holy Qur’an, many verses about pleasure are mentioned. These verses are ...
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SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Pleasure motivates humans in pleasant and unpleasant behaviors. Numerous ethical schools have discussed pleasure. Some schools have embraced hedonism. One of these schools is utilitarianism. In the Holy Qur’an, many verses about pleasure are mentioned. These verses are discussed in the form of resurrection, social reform, food and clothing, etc. Since Jeremy Bentham's principles of hedonism have had a great impact on philosophers, thinkers, social laws, and the culture and lifestyle of people, the present article is an explanation of pleasure from Jeremy Bentham's viewpoint and compares it with verses of the Qur’an.METHOD & FINDING: The library data collection and information processing method is descriptive-analytical critical. A finding of this article is to explain the similarities and differences of Jeremy Bentham's view compared to the verses of the Holy Qur’an.CONCLUSION: After the studies, we concluded that in both perspective hedonism and its excitatory aspect in humans with psychological hedonism, there are also points of disagreement: In the verses of the Qur’an, unlike Bentham, the pleasures of the hereafter and its preference over the pleasures of this world have been emphasized and the other that in the Qur’an, hedonism is not accepted in an absolute. Also, some of the blessings of the hereafter are mentioned in the Qur’an
Religion and Life
Abdul-Ahmad Mirzaei; Syed Hasan Abedian
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: Since freedom is one of the common desires of humanity and is rooted in human nature, there is a lot of literature about it; However, in Islamic jurisprudence, this word has a little history and it is referred to as a new issue. The debates raised by Islamic thinkers often do ...
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SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: Since freedom is one of the common desires of humanity and is rooted in human nature, there is a lot of literature about it; However, in Islamic jurisprudence, this word has a little history and it is referred to as a new issue. The debates raised by Islamic thinkers often do not look at the issue from a jurisprudential angle. This research tries to fill this gap. By emphasizing on Infallible imams school, the research describes the realm of freedom and its impact on contemporary life from a religious viewpoint with the aim of explaining the nature, limits and dimensions of freedom from a jurisprudential angle.METHOD AND FINDING: By using the method of qualitative analysis and referring to the verses and narrations and the opinions and opinions of Shia jurists and thinkers, it has reached the following findings: A: The principle of freedom is approved by religion and the school of infallible imams. B: Only freedom that is in the service and in the direction of achieving worldly and hereafter happiness is approved. C: Freedom in Islam is a means, not a goal. D: Political freedom is compatible with the theory of religious democracy.CONCLUSION: The article has concluded that the limit of human freedom in the school of infallible imams is where freedom becomes a barrier to the eternal happiness of an individual or human society.
Religion and Life
Somayeh Mohammadsadeghipour; Abbasali Rostaminasab; Hamidreza Alavi; Morad Yari Dehnavi; Abbas Mowzoun
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: Those individuals who temporarily experience death, for some reasons, merely experience clinical death that is different from biological death. In the latter one it is not possible for their spirits to return to life while in the clinical death there is a possibility to return ...
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SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: Those individuals who temporarily experience death, for some reasons, merely experience clinical death that is different from biological death. In the latter one it is not possible for their spirits to return to life while in the clinical death there is a possibility to return to the bodies and the material world. Thus, the present research attempts to explore clinical death incidents as a qualitative phenomenological study.METHOD AND FINDING: Among those who participated in producing the “Life After Life TV Series” of the 2020-2022 seasons, 41 participants were selected and interviewed using the purposeful sampling method. In addition to television interviews, the complementary data were gathered using conducting semi-structured interviews. Implementing Colaizzi’s seven analysis steps, the data were analyzed using MAXQDA, the 2021 version.CONCLUSION: Findings show 14 extracted codes identified as the “the nature of returning to life”. The codes were categorized into four main themes: 1) Negotiation and being convinced, 2) Having a choice and a discretion to return to the body, 3) Asking to return to compensate indemnifications in the world, and 4) Pleading for intercessions. Overall, it is concluded that in comparison to the other world’s experiencers, Iranian experiencers’ cultural factor and their religious beliefs are different from their counterparts in the world.
The Meaning of Life
Suleiman Ibrahim; Mohammad Mahdi Gorjian Arabi
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: The division of existence into Independent and Copulative beings is one of the initiatives of Mulla Sadra, and according to him, Independent Existence is the existence that does not depend on any substantiality. Conversely, Copulative Existence is the existence that is nothing ...
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SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: The division of existence into Independent and Copulative beings is one of the initiatives of Mulla Sadra, and according to him, Independent Existence is the existence that does not depend on any substantiality. Conversely, Copulative Existence is the existence that is nothing but a dependent being with a sheer relationship to an Independent Existence. The discussion of the reality of existence in transcendent wisdom is not only a conceptual discussion; But its main discussion is concrete, which looks at the quality of the relationship between effect and the cause of its existence. Analysis of the reality of an effect, like other philosophical concepts, plays an essential role in explaining some theological, philosophical, mystical and ethical issues.METHOD AND FINDING: This research, using analytical-descriptive method, has been done with the aim of investigating and analysing the outcomes of believing in the reality of copulative existence in divine ethics. In order to achieve the mentioned goal, the investigation of the reality, foundations of the Copulative Existence of an effect and the teleology of ethics as the basic subject were stated.CONCLUSION: The influence of the Copulative Existence on the issues of divine ethics, such as perseverance in the state of submissiveness, drowning in true love, learning the highest stage of gratitude, reaching the peak of fear and hope, the state of supplication, were among other achievements of this research. Therefore, believe in the copulative existence of an effect is an important precursor to explain divine ethics.
Religion and Life
Tahereh-Sadat Amini; Mohsen Imani Naeini; Alireza Mahmoudnia; Hamidreza Rezazadeh Bahadoran
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: The present study has been conducted with the aim of getting to know the most important application of self-knowledge from the perspective of Allameh Tabatabai and Henri Bergson with a comparative view.METHOD AND FINDING: The results of this research, which was carried out with ...
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SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: The present study has been conducted with the aim of getting to know the most important application of self-knowledge from the perspective of Allameh Tabatabai and Henri Bergson with a comparative view.METHOD AND FINDING: The results of this research, which was carried out with a descriptive-analytical, comparative and inferential method, show that Allameh Tabatabai and Henri Bergson, prominent philosophers of the East and the West, by providing a solution to one of the most important challenges of modern man, propose a new and deep look for man to return to himself. In the first step, this research has addressed two areas of thinking in the knowledge of the self and, in the most general look at the components of the incorporeality of the self, the relationship between the soul and the body, the change in the self and the soul as the main agent of perception in the opinions and thoughts of Allameh Tabatabai and Bergson with a comparative view. The data collection tool was MAXQDA software, which was used to increase the accuracy of data coding and categorization.CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, Allameh Tabatabai considered the knowledge of God to be the most important result and the final goal of self-knowledge, and Bergson, looking intuitively at the soul and from another angle, introduced creative evolution as the best result of this knowledge.
Education and Social Ethics
Syed Shoaib Heydar Abedi; Syed Mohammad Reza Mousavinasab
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: In this research, the Quranic-educational ideas of two contemporary Muslim thinkers: Misbah Yazdi and Abul-A'la Maududi are briefly mentioned. The goals of this research are: To discover points in the Quranic education system to review and criticize the western education system, ...
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SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: In this research, the Quranic-educational ideas of two contemporary Muslim thinkers: Misbah Yazdi and Abul-A'la Maududi are briefly mentioned. The goals of this research are: To discover points in the Quranic education system to review and criticize the western education system, to improve the educational methods of schools, to achieve worldly and hereafter happiness.METHOD AND FINDING: The method of this research is descriptive, comparative and questioning (Thematic interpretation) in the the Quranic works of the mentioned scholars. The most important ideas of Misbah Yazdi are: The necessity of educating the ignorant, the capacity of human learning, the role of the teacher in education, the role of the group and imitation in learning, comprehensiveness in education, the importance of fundamental Islamic scientific research with divine motivation, the necessity of checking the competence of the teacher before starting learning; And Maududi's thoughts are: Treating the soul of the learner with proper education, evoking the emotions and nature of the learner along with the education, the compassion of the teacher and the appropriate method, the use of sensory examples for the teaching of extra-sensory subjects, the criteria of acceptance of the learner and the role of objective observation in learning.CONCLUSION: Based on this and in accordance with the comparative analysis of these ideas and approaches, Misbah Yazdi and Maududi both consider Islam to have a system and a valuable school of thought in human sciences specially in education.
Social and Economic Issues
Syed Ruhollah Noorafshan; Mohammad Hossein Zarei Rezaei; Syed Jalal Noorafshan
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: There are different theories about how to deal with western sciences, especially western humanities. From secular intellectuals who consider Western science and technology the only way to progress. As for others who believe that no golden leaf can be found in Western science and ...
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SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: There are different theories about how to deal with western sciences, especially western humanities. From secular intellectuals who consider Western science and technology the only way to progress. As for others who believe that no golden leaf can be found in Western science and civilization that can be used.METHOD AND FINDING: The research method in this article is descriptive and analytical and of the library type. The findings indicate that from Ayatollah Mesbah's viewpoint, in the face of western science, damage has been done that should be avoided. Among these harms, we can mention the political and nationalist approach, self-defeating, eclecticism, and the adaptation of religion to Western science. The correct approach is western science and should be criticized and selected in this context. But for some reasons, the benefits of these sciences are minimal in most fields. especially the foundations and assumptions, rational and descriptive methodology and the normative aspect of human sciences; But the use of basic sciences, experimental sciences and experimental methodology can be maximized.CONCLUSION: According to Ayatollah Mesbah, western sciences can be used in general; But the extent of their application in different fields is not the same. A difference should be made between the foundations and methods and findings of science.
