Philosophical Meditations - Articles in Press

A Critical Assessment of Descartes’ Anti-Teleologism in Physics

Mahdi Soleimani Khormouji; Majid Mollayousefi; Ali Sedaghat

Volume 6, Issue 16 , April 2016, , Pages 85-117

Abstract

Descartes strictly asserts that he deduces his physical principles from his own metaphysic. While some scholars believe that his claim is exaggerative (or even misleading), some others ... Read More

The concept of reality in Wittgenstein's attitude

Mohsen Donyavi; Gholamhosein Moghaddam Heidari

Volume 7, Issue 19 , September 2017, , Pages 89-106

Abstract

Abstract Analyzing any concept in Wittgenstein's thoughts has a strong relationship with his contemplation on "language". And analyzing the concept of reality is not an exception; especially ... Read More

Relationship between Sadra's Ontology Basics and Prayer

Marveh Dolatabadi; Marveh Dolatabadi; Mohamad Esmaeel Ghasemi Tosi

Volume 8, Issue 21 , December 2018, , Pages 91-117

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.34352

Abstract

Prayer is one of the most magnificent divine themes that has always been of interest to humanity, and every human being has paid attention to semantics and its problems, in spite of ... Read More

The Subject of the Sophist: Sophist or Philosopher? Assaying Heidegger’s taking in Plato’s Sophist

Volume 4, Issue 12 , April 2014, , Pages 93-119

Abstract

In the openings of Sophist and Statesman, Plato does reportedly promise the reader that he intends to write a trilogy respectively entitled Sophist, Statesman and Philosopher. The two ... Read More

A Review of the Philosophical Uses of the Rule: Impossibility of Impression of Big Things in a Small Place

saeed anvari

Volume 9, Issue 22 , September 2019, , Pages 93-120

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.36298

Abstract

In Islamic philosophy, the rule of impossibility of impression of big things in a small place has been used to prove the immateriality of their abstracts, imaginations and perceptual ... Read More

The Rationality of Living Morally from Thomas Nagel’s Point of View

Volume 2, Issue 6 , July 2010, , Pages 95-121

Abstract

Rationality is a distinguished feature of human being and a desirable characteristic. Apparently other-regarding and altruistic behaviors, also, seem to form salient aspects of human ... Read More Rationality is a distinguished feature of human being and a desirable characteristic. Apparently other-regarding and altruistic behaviors, also, seem to form salient aspects of human life. The immediate question, then, would be: is altruism rational? Assuming that altruism constitutes an essential part of a morally good life, further questions emerge: Is living a morally good life consistent with being rational? Is it possible to find a rational ground for ethics? Can one be genuinely altruistic? Is it possible to act morally and rationally, not considering one’s self-interests? If altruism can be rationally justified, do we need a specific model of rationality? This survey has been constructed around Thomas Nagel’s views on the above issues, their pros and cons, possible interpretations, various problems and ways out of them. However, before doing this I will address and clarify some general principles and presuppositions hidden under these issues. This will be done in the first chapter. The opponents of the possibility of (genuine) altruism and its rationality, sometimes called ‘egoists’, have formulated their views in different forms and defended them by various arguments. Knowing that I cannot fully investigate egoism, I will try to briefly explain these claims and arguments and subsequently evaluate them in the second chapter. This will set the scene for the study of Nagel who finds (genuine) altruism possible and rational. Based on his understanding of practical reason and the kind of perspective each person should have of oneself, Nagel defends the possibility and rationality of altruism. In his analysis of (human) act, in general, and moral act, in particular, Nagel gives way to reason, rather than desire. He parallels the form of reason and objective considerations regarding altruism with the form of timeless reason in prudence and considerations concerning long-term interests. Such reasons are 'objective' or 'agent-neutral' since they contain a kind of objective reference which does not rely on any specific person, reasons like "that acting would relieve someone's pain". If it is possible for an agent to be rationally motivated in prudence by considering long-term interests, it would also be possible for the agent to be rationally motivated in the case of altruistic considerations by taking an impersonal, external, perspective-less, or agent-neutral point of view amongst others who are as real as the person – otherwise, as Nagel claims, a kind of solipsism is unavoidable. From this position, he would not find any specific characterization placing him in a privileged point.

Kant's transition from the ethical-civil state to Juridical-civil state and create moral/political community

Mahmoud sufiani; Mohsen Bagherzadeh meshkibaf

Volume 9, Issue 23 , March 2020, , Pages 101-132

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.109776.1631

Abstract

In the book of Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant deals with postulating strategic terms such as free will, autonomy, the law of reason, the duty, and the complex relationship ... Read More

The Necessity of Passages of Spirit in Hegel’s Phenomenology

Amin Shahverdi; mohammad meshkat

Volume 7, Issue 18 , April 2017, , Pages 103-124

Abstract

In this paper, Hegel’s claim is studied that passages of spirit in phases of Phenomenology are necessary. We try to investigate Hegel’s intention of necessity of these passages. ... Read More

Khafri Innovation in God's Speaking

mohammad Abbaszadh Jahromi; masumah Amiri

Volume 10, Issue 24 , September 2020, , Pages 105-125

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.100285.1543

Abstract

کلام الهی یکی از مسائل مهم و جنجال‌برانگیز در دانش کلام و آغازگر شکل‌گیری این دانش بوده است. پیرامون ... Read More

The Applying of the Doctrine of Pure Existence in Proof and Explanation: Individual Unity of Being in Viewpoint of The wise Aqa Ali Modarres

Mohammadreza Ershadinia

Volume 11, Issue 26 , June 2021, , Pages 105-130

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2020.122988.1764

Abstract

The doctrine of pure existence is one of the initiatives of Islamic philosophy, which has a significant place in the history of philosophy, especially Transcendental wisdom. Transcendental ... Read More

Hakim Sabzevari's philosophical interpretations of purifications (Case Study water)

Tahereh Kamalizadeh

Volume 12, Issue 28 , August 2022, , Pages 107-129

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.535961.2043

Abstract

Sabzevari is one of the influential philosophers of the Qajar period. The characteristic of Sabzevari's philosophical method, which has also been influential in his interpretive method, ... Read More

Investigating Shame: A comparison between the Freudian psychoanalysis and cognitive approach in psychology and a theological-moral view about shame

Volume 8, Issue 20 , August 2018, , Pages 109-143

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2018.32207

Abstract

Shame’s conceptualization is one of the most challenging discussions in psychological studies. This challenge creates many ambiguities for both psychologists and theologians in ... Read More

Fundamentals Farabi' cosmology

Batool Ahmadi; Qasim Pourhassan

Volume 12, Issue 29 , February 2023, , Pages 115-144

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.530057.1991

Abstract

Farabi's cosmology is one of the dimensions of Farabi's philosophy that reflects his worldview. Farabi was the first Islamic philosopher to formulate a coherent theory of the universe, ... Read More

A Solution to the Contradiction in the Concept of “Spontaneous” in the Traditional Definition of Ethics by Using the Four Component Model of Morality

Volume 5, Issue 14 , April 2015, , Pages 117-142

Abstract

Traditionally speaking, ethics has been defined as the spiritual qualities that encourage “spontaneous” actions that do not need to be thought, assessed or delayed beforehand. ... Read More

Review and critique of the view of Eric J. Wielenberg in The Value and Virtue in a Godless World

Hossein Ebadaty; SEYED AHMAD FAZELI

Volume 13, Issue 30 , August 2023, , Pages 127-159

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.526792.1975

Abstract

A Review and Critique of Eric J. Weillenberg’s Point of View on Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe Abstract: In Value and Virtue in in a Godless Universe, Weillenberg considers ... Read More A Review and Critique of Eric J. Weillenberg’s Point of View on Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe Abstract: In Value and Virtue in in a Godless Universe, Weillenberg considers naturalism as an atheistic account of the universe. He first introduces the meaninglessness of life in the absence of God with four narrations and then challenges it with the help of three perspectives. He then takes up the ways of the ontological basis of morality on religion and tries to show that these ways are dead ends. In this book he does not clarify his alternative view, but in the book Strong Ethics, it is revealed that he is an anti-naturalist. In response to the question at to why one should live morally, he wants to show that there is a possibility of moral motivation apart from God, although God can also be a good supporter of morality. In introducing virtues to his proposed ecosystem, he no longer suffices to present a positive view and tries to show that some virtues are born in the absence of God, or at least have a deeper meaning. The most important criticism which can be leveled at him is the identification of theism with being a Christian. Keywords: meaning of life, atheism, virtue, realism, theory of the divine Introduction and Methodology Eric J. Weillenberg is a moral realist who seeks to portray this moral reality in a world without God. While stating his atheistic arguments (which are generally arguments against Christian beliefs), he first seeks to explain the meaning of life in a world without God and then critiques the ontological and epistemological relationship between religion and morality. He then introduces moral duties and motives for moral action in such a world, using selfishness and utilitarianism. Findings Chapter One: God and the Meaning of Life- In the first chapter of the book Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe, Weillenberg first outlines and then critiques four arguments that life without God has no esoteric meaning. Of course, the first three arguments are answered in the first chapter through the three escape routes by Richard Taylor, Peter Singer, and Aristotle, and the fourth argument is left to the next chapter. The four arguments for the need for God to make life meaningful are as follows: 1- Argument of the final consequence: Weillenberg, referring to the speech of William Len Carrigg, says that according to this argument, because according to scientists, the end of the world is not all human beings, so if there is no God, we are like prisoners waiting to be executed. 2- Argument of aimless existence: Life without supernatural meaning is a life without mission. Therefore, we will not have any criteria for happiness. 3- Argument without concern from a valuable person: This argument is taken from the article The Meaning of Susan Wolf's Life. Life has an inner meaning only when a worthy and valuable being is attached to it; or, in other words, caring about it. Who is this precious being other than God? 4- God's argument as the source of morality: Without God, there is no value in the world (Wielenberg, 2005, pp. 15-18). Richard Taylor Solution: Create the meaning of your life: He outlines Taylor's solution, citing an example from the ancient Greek myth of Sisyphus, which Taylor cites at the end of his book, Good and Bad (called the Meaning of Life) (Taylor, 1970, pp. 187-202). Citing quotes from Leo Tolstoy in My Confession, and quotes from Stephen Drol about Aristotle, Weillenberg goes on to say that such a life is not worth living if the meaning of life is merely satisfied with the difference between Sisyphus and those interested in it (Wielenberg, 2005, pp. 18-23). Peter Singer's solution: Make life meaningful by eliminating suffering Using the George test method of Moore (Moore , 1903, p. 91). Singer argues that if something is still independent of anything else, it has intrinsic value. According to Singer, suffering has an inherent evil, and therefore the removal of suffering will have intrinsic value, whether it is God or not (singer, 1995). Weillenberg says that if the whole universe could be destroyed without any pain, it would naturally reduce the total suffering, and in fact the problem of negative suffering would lead to the elimination of the subject. But Singer certainly does not consider this to have intrinsic value (Wielenberg, 2005, pp. 23-31). Aristotle's solution: in his book Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle says that all virtues, as inherently good actions, have the value of a means to attain happiness, which he calls eudaimonia. According to Aristotle, virtue means the activity of the soul according to the highest virtues (Aristotle, 2021, p. 46). Wellinberg writes that Aristotle introduces the highest actions of intrinsic value as deep thinking. In this way, Aristotle introduces a meaning to live independently of any transcendental being (Wielenberg, 2005, pp. 31-37). The author's critique of the proposed views in Chapter One: 1- Using the modified version of Moore's open-ended argument formulated by Michael Ridge, the definition of the meaning of life to the satisfaction of living lacks the necessary conditions of a definition. At the same time, the meaning of every human being's life must be commensurate with his or her innate talents. Basically, no minimum can be imagined to preserve the meaning of life for human beings, and therefore the argument to prove something that is not possible otherwise would be meaningless. Peter Singer pinpoints conflict between the suffering of the minority and the pleasure of the majority. The third proposed way that Weillenberg derives from Aristotle's Nicomachean ethics is in fact a misunderstanding of Aristotelian ethics. Aristotle writes in the most important verse of Lambda about God that "actuality is the intellect of life and God is this actuality." Apart from that, Aristotle, by defining the movement of passion, actually tied the meaning of life to the desire for existence in the beauty of God (Safari, 2015, pp. 380-394), so such an interpretation of Aristotle seems fundamentally incorrect. Chapter Two: God and Morality- Weillenberg's main approach in this chapter is to reject all the views that make morality (in the realm of ontology) somehow dependent on God. He proposes two propositions and divides the competing views (pro-DCM) based on the acceptance of both propositions, or only the second proposition, into strong and weak views, and refutes both views. Chapter 3: God as the Guarantor of Perfect Justice- The subject of the third chapter is more related to the psychological relationship between God and morality. In fact, this is a kind of attention to the gap between must and is, which David Hume spoke about. In fact, this discussion is one of the main ways to enter the issue of introversion or extroversion in ethics. Weillenberg seeks to solve the problem of the motivation of moral action in the absence of God, while retaining his unnatural realism, which he referred to in the previous chapter. In his first answer, using the views of Aristotle and Hume separately, he shows in two ways that the best kind of bio-human is bio-moral (Wielenberg, 2005, pp. 70-79). Chapter 4: Moral character in a world without God- The fourth chapter deals with the consequences of accepting naturalism (narrated by Weillenberg). He has tried to show how in the world of a true naturalist, good sources are explained. He first shows why pride is a great sin in Christianity by quoting Christian scriptures and the works of people like Lewis and Milton. But on the other hand, for a true naturalist (who Aristotle thinks is the best representative of this view), the desire to rise to a higher position and to have a high-minded spirit is not only a mistake but also the basis of man's attainment of bioethics (Wielenberg, 2005, p. 103). In the meantime, two different views on virtue are shown: On the one hand, Julia Driver, who considered humility as a result of negligence (Jahed, 1393, p. 85), and McIntyre, who called the image of the Aristotelian metaphysician horrible (MacIntyre, 1998, p. 79), and on the other hand, Aristotle, who considered pride as a virtue. it is introduced with the approach of conscious desire to improve one's position and know one's true position (Aristotle2, 1999, pp. 94، NE 1123b10-15). Weillenberg's narrative is critical from two perspectives. First, what he narrates about religiosity is merely a kind of perversion with a superficial and second-hand reading. But apart from this view, Weillenberg wants to remain both realistic and atheist. In such a situation it is easier to fall into the view of John Mackey and believe in the theory of error. Something that Weillenberg himself considered possible in his book, Powerful Ethics. Another critique of Weillenberg's extraterrestrial approach to the motivation of moral action can be found in the book Value and Goodness in a Godless World by Bernard Williams's critique of moral extraversion in the realm of action motivation. Williams argues that reasons that are independent of a person's mental state are incapable of explaining a person's actions (Wielenberg, 2005, pp. 35-45). Conclusions and discussions: In the first chapter, Weillenberg tries to challenge the claims that want to make the meaning of life unique to God, and he succeeds. At the same time, his alternatives, as he himself has criticized, are not strong enough. He goes on to critique the views of the proponent of the theory of the divine. Although in many cases Weillenberg's critiques of the claims about the ethics of theism are commendable, both ontologically and semantically, his circle of encounters in this, in particular, is very limited, thus impairing his conclusion. Of course, in his book Strong Ethics, he was able to use evolutionary theories to solve the problem of motivation of moral action to a great extent. References Aristotle. (2021). Nicomachean Ethics. Tehran: Tarhe no. Aristotle2. (1999). Nicomachean Ethics. (T. Irwin, Trans.) Hackett Publishing Company. Jahed, M. (1393). Modesty from the point of view of Muslim thinkers. MacIntyre, A. (1998). A short history of ethics. Notre Dame: Univ.of Notre Dame Press. Moore , G. E. (1903). Principia Ethica. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press. Safari, G. (2015). The theory of Form in Aristotle's philosophy. Tehran: Hekmat. singer, p. (1995). How are we to live? Ethics in an age of self-interest. Amherst. Taylor, R. (1970). Good and Evil: A New Direction. New York: Macmillan. Wielenberg, E. J. (2005). Value And Virtue In A Godless Universe. Cambridge: Cambridge.

Eco-critical Reading of "Influx" and "Correspondences" in Swedenborg `s Spiritual World

Laiya Matin Parsa; Ali Salami

Volume 13, Issue 31 , February 2024

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.552343.2208

Abstract

Eco Critical theory inspects the existing interconnections of the natural world and the human activities. Considering diverse philosophical perceptions of different philosophers discloses ... Read More

Criteria for True and False in the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Volume 2, Issue 5 , April 2010, , Pages 71-82

Abstract

On the importance of truth, Imam Jafar Sadiq's saying would suffice: "The teller of the truth is in place of dignity and integrity, and the liar is bound to come to his end". The definitions ... Read More

The West and Occidentalism in Dr. Davari’s Thought

Volume 1, Issue 4 , December 2009, , Pages 75-88

Abstract

One of the most important issues in Davari’s thought is the problem of the West and Occidentalism and also conditions of encounter between us and the West. In his holistic ... Read More

The concept of solidarity in thought of Richard Rorty

Volume 2, Issue 7.8 , September 2010, , Pages 87-111

Abstract

Abstract: Rorty who is an analytic Philosopher in direction of postmodern thought with a pragmatic veiw to vocabulary and language is going to work on deconstruction various problems ... Read More Abstract: Rorty who is an analytic Philosopher in direction of postmodern thought with a pragmatic veiw to vocabulary and language is going to work on deconstruction various problems of philosophy.Hence,he questions the whole traditional epistmology with all its categoryies(such as Truth,objectivity,wisdom and etc). In his opinion, traditional philosophers (plato,Descartes and kant)always belives ahistorical and ahumanistic realities(such as Truth,good,God and etc)considered human beings as servants and discoverers the eternal reality. Against this opinion,he suggest the issue of solidarity؛ in other word pragmatic agreement on the various issues and influenced by norms of private society too .Rorty belives that if we merely ourself confine and effect relationship between self and world,we will accept correctness of this claim that we always give to the world a meaning by making new vocabulary and apart from this vocabulary which are instruments of coping with environment, there is no reality.In this new pragdims,we think by creating Truth instead of solidarity to human like creatures of their enviornment,in deed those who are going to over come to environment not like to those who are at service of that upper creature.These instruments will help us to reinforce solidarity among human in order to move in direction of oreinted-justic and free society and far from any discrimination and suffering. In such society that Truth will show itself in dynamisms of that society.Rorty is looking for problem of traditional epistomology in attracting of realistic approach to various problems of philosophy. So he is an anti-realist philosopher to explain various philosophical concepts including the tradition concept of Truth.He suggests the traditon concept of Truth which is based on correspondence theory of Truth,instead of the concept of solidarity and claims there is no found in his explain concept of solidarity the realistic elements and solidarity such as another concept make by mankind and pragmatic interests . In this article we will attempt to reveiw this claim.

ارزیابی منطقی جایگاه اصول اعلامیۀ حقوق بشر در حقوق و اخلاق

Volume 3, Issue 10 , July 2013, , Pages 95-125

Abstract

Rereading Avicenna’s Proof of Prophecy based on Allameh Tabatabai’s theory of Itibar

farzaneh zolhasani; Ali Vkili

Volume 10, Issue 25 , February 2021, , Pages 95-119

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2020.105133.1576

Abstract

In this paper, Firstly Avicenna’s prophecy proof is reviewed by descriptive-analytic method in his works and then, Allameh Tabatabai's innovative analysis based on the theory ... Read More

Kuhn’s Externalistic Attitude toward History of Science

Volume 3, Issue 11 , December 2013, , Pages 97-133

Abstract

Internalism has been the dominant attitude in the historiography until mid-20th century. According to this approach, the task of historiographer is to report an intellectual history ... Read More

On the Origin of Culture and its Change and Management

Volume 3, Issue 9 , April 2013, , Pages 99-118

Abstract

In its philosophical sense, the word "culture" maybe said to have both non-human and human origins. One kind of culture (and its components and elements) is inherently non-human, and ... Read More

The Elements of Sheikh E Eshraq's Political Thoughts

Volume 4, Issue 13 , September 2014, , Pages 101-128

Abstract

Although Sheikh E Eshraq is not a political philosopher in common sense, he has attracted the attention of many researches in the field of political thoughts thanks to his serious efforts ... Read More

Openness as Dialogue’s Moral Condition

Ali Reza Azadi; Hamideh Izadinia

Volume 5, Issue 15 , September 2015, , Pages 101-127

Abstract

In spite of the fact that Prejudices, according to Gadamer, are “conditions of understanding”, their interference is not arbitrary. Understanding is not a one-sided relationship, ... Read More

Volume 13 (2023)

Volume 12 (2022)

Volume 11 (2021)

Volume 10 (2020)

Volume 9 (2019)

Volume 8 (2018)

Volume 7 (2017)

Volume 6 (2016)

Volume 5 (2015)

Volume 4 (2014)

Volume 3 (2013)

Volume 2 (2010)

Volume 1 (2009)

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