Philosophical Meditations - Articles in Press

An analytic study about development of the concept of Soul from Plato to Mulla Sadra

Volume 1, Issue 1 , April 2009, , Pages 102-125

Abstract

Whereas Plato believes that the soul belongs to another world and defines it as an order different from the body, Aristotle whose opinion were more concentrated on the disquisition ... Read More

Larry Laudan and the Pessimistic Induction

Javad Akbari Takhtameshlou

Volume 6, Issue 17 , September 2016, , Pages 103-134

Abstract

Relying on the ‘no miracle argument’, the realists claim that the best explanation for the extraordinary success of scientific theories is that they are (approximately) ... Read More

“Is There Still Anything to Say About Reality and Truth?

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2009, , Pages 107-129

Abstract

American philosopher Hilary Putnam (1926- ) has been a major contributor to the philosophy of mind, language, and knowledge in recent j decades. An earlier proponent of a "functionalist': ... Read More

The Challenges of “Liberty” in the Enquires of “Mill” & “Feinberg”

SHIRZAD PEIK HERFEH

Volume 7, Issue 19 , September 2017, , Pages 107-142

Abstract

Joel Feinberg (1926-2004) is a groundbreaking philosopher in contemporary moral, legal, and political philosophy. He changed the way people thought about things, and his theory of “the ... Read More

Digital Theology and Physical Resurrection By a Critical Study of Frank Tippler’s Views

Mohammad Hosein Moradinasab; Ali shirvani

Volume 11, Issue 27 , February 2022, , Pages 113-134

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2021.139526.1905

Abstract

: The development of computer science – especially in the field of artificial intelligence – has led to the formation of digital theology. Digital theology saw all the phenomena ... Read More

Analysis and evaluation of compatibility with Mulla Sadra Transcendental wisdom

ahmad reza honari; tahereh kamalizadeh; iraj dadashi

Volume 8, Issue 21 , December 2018, , Pages 119-147

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.34353

Abstract

Symbolic viewpoint about universe is a valuable heritage of old civilizations. This topic has had especial position in Islamic culture and civilization. Muslim mystics and philosophers ... Read More

A Survey on the Role of Francis Bacon in Inaugurating Environmental Crises

Volume 4, Issue 12 , April 2014, , Pages 121-142

Abstract

Contemporary environmental crisis is the product of many factors: intellectual, cultural, political and economic. Not only is the role philosophical perspectives have had in generating ... Read More

A Comparative Analysis of the Epistemological Foundations of Action Research from the Perspective of Critical and Interpretive Philosophy

Sussan Keshavarz; Ali Ahmadi; محمود مهر محمدی; یحیی قائدی

Volume 6, Issue 16 , April 2016, , Pages 121-146

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the epistemological foundations of action research from the perspective of the critical and interpretative philosophy. To this end, ... Read More

The Examination of Racial Discrimination in kant's Philosophy

Hamidreza Saadat Niaki; Ali Fathtaheri

Volume 9, Issue 22 , September 2019, , Pages 121-150

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.36299

Abstract

One of the challenges posed about human rights in Kant's practical philosophy is his racist statements. At the first glance, these statements seem contraversial to the spirit of his ... Read More

Kendi’s Philosophical Approach Regarding Options for Dealing with Sorrows and Sadness

Volume 2, Issue 6 , July 2010, , Pages 123-139

Abstract

Abu Yusef Yaqub Ibn Ishaq Kendi (185-252 Hejira), who is known as an Arab philosopher & the first philosopher in Islam, has written a distinctive book on various approaches to deal ... Read More

The metaphysical foundation of David Bohm,s quantum physics

Volume 7, Issue 18 , April 2017, , Pages 125-155

Abstract

David Bohm, One of the greatest quantum physics, relying on the ontological interpretation of quantum physics as well as the holistic approach and believe in hidden variables, he disagreed ... Read More

Suhrawardi’s release from the correspondence and identity challenge

Mohsen Akbari; Muhammad Hussein Heshmatpoor

Volume 10, Issue 24 , September 2020, , Pages 127-146

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2019.103988.1567

Abstract

In his Illuminationist Hikmatic System, Suhrawardi started from himself and his intuitive self-conscousness and then he reached at the God. On the one hand, he found the identity of ... Read More

The Place of the Other in the Deconstruction of Subjectivity and Ethics: Lacan and Levinas

Bayan Karimy; Muhammad Asghari

Volume 11, Issue 26 , June 2021, , Pages 131-162

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2021.141729.1917

Abstract

Lacan and Levinas were among the first contemporary thinkers of the twentieth century who have put emphasize on the concepts of otherness and subjectivity. The approach of these two ... Read More

revelation of enlightenment

hadi fanaei

Volume 9, Issue 23 , March 2020, , Pages 133-162

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2020.38508

Abstract

در این جستار، به بسط‌پذیری معارف وحیانی و گشودگی زمینه ارتباط انسان با منبع وحیانی‌ـ‌الهی برپایه ... Read More در این جستار، به بسط‌پذیری معارف وحیانی و گشودگی زمینه ارتباط انسان با منبع وحیانی‌ـ‌الهی برپایه سه ساحت اندیشه‌های فلسفی و عرفانی اندیشمندان مسلمان، ونیزقرآن و متون روائی پرداخته شده است. حکما و عارفان مسلمان معتقدند ولایت به-منزلۀ روح این جهان و مجرای فیض الهی است و همچنین باطن و جوهرۀ نبوت است. انسان کامل با ارتقای وجودی و سیر باطنی و زدایش حجاب‌های گونه‌گون از نفس خویش در مرتبۀ نخست به مقام ولایت الهی می‌رسد. در چنین مرحله‌ای ولی خدا به ملاء اعلی متصل و مرتبط می‌گردد و حاصل این ارتباط و اتصال گشوده شدن باب گنجینۀ معارف وحیانی به روی او است. از طرفی ولیّ خدا مجرای فیض الهی تا لحظۀ وقوع قیامت است. هر کمال و خیری از جمله معرفت و معنویت عرشی و قدسی در پرتو ولایت ولی خدا به انسان می‌رسد. همانگونه که گسترۀ ولایت در نظام تکوین تا دامنۀ قیامت جریان دارد و حضور ولیّ خدا در جهان همیشگی است، از این‌رو معارف وحیانی نیز به تبع حضور ولیّ خدا در عالم، تا آستانۀ واقعۀ قیامت بسط می‌پذیرد. بسط‌پذیری معارف وحیانی از پیامدهای استمرار ولایت محسوب می‌گردد و این بسط‌پذیری منافاتی با خاتمیت پیامبراعظم(ص) ندارد. بنابراین بسط معارف وحیانی اختصاص به دورۀ انبیا و اوصیا ندارد و جایگاهی است که برای هر انسانی با لحاظ شرایط ویژه از جمله طهارت درون و سعه وجودی گشودگی دارد. بسط‌ناپذیری وحی رسالی و تشریعی با ختم نبوت امری قطعی است.

The Role of Fixed (Eternal) Entities on Human Freewill from Mulla Sadra’s Perspective

Marziyeh Akhlaghi

Volume 12, Issue 28 , August 2022, , Pages 137-160

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2021.525514.1966

Abstract

In mystical ontology, fixed eternal entities are the key to understanding various topics of destiny, predestination, God’s foreknowledge, etc. Mulla Sadra has used the notion ... Read More

Corbin’s Reading of Comparative Philosophy

Volume 5, Issue 14 , April 2015, , Pages 143-166

Abstract

Henry Corbin is among the thinkers who endeavored to actualize the essence of comparative philosophy. Husserlian phenomenology was a source of inspiration for Corbin in order to explicate ... Read More

Analysis the position of Energia and entelecheia in Aristotle's thought

hasan abasi hossein abadi; mastaneh kakaiy

Volume 8, Issue 20 , August 2018, , Pages 145-170

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2018.32198

Abstract

The concept of perfection in Aristotle's metaphysics is expressed with words like Energia and Entelecheia, Both in English have been translated into actuality. Aristotle has spoken ... Read More

A critique of materialist neo-Darwinism based on the views of Thomas Nagel

Samad Hoseini; Abbas Yazdani

Volume 12, Issue 29 , February 2023, , Pages 151-181

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.539785.2079

Abstract

According to materialist neo-Darwinists, life and all things related to it are merely the results of the operation of material laws, and no immaterial or transcendental factor has been ... Read More

Religious Answers to the Existential Problem of Evil

abbasali mansouri; asad allah azhir; Seyyed Fazlullah Roshan

Volume 13, Issue 30 , August 2023, , Pages 167-200

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.557887.2245

Abstract

Religious Answers to the Existential Problem of Evil Abstract The problem of evil has different formulations, one of which is called the existential problem of evil; this means that ... Read More Religious Answers to the Existential Problem of Evil Abstract The problem of evil has different formulations, one of which is called the existential problem of evil; this means that when the evils and sufferings of the world actually affect man, man is psychologically unable to continue his former relationship with God and it seems that his emotions are not contended with God. In such a case, man's priority is not to resolve the logical contradiction between the existence of evil and the existence of God but requires an answer that repairs this relationship. The present article argues that religious answers can better resolve the existential problem of evil and repair a person's relationship with God, or at least prevent the complete severance of his relationship with God. The religious answer means an answer that is first of all derived from religious texts; second, it is based on the cosmological, anthropological, and theological presuppositions accepted by religions. The eight religious answers to the existential problem of evil in this article are: calamity for trial, illusion of evil due to ignorance and imperfect knowledge, warning for return and repentance, difficulties in preventing rebellion, retribution for actions in this world, abandonment of this world and engagement in the hereafter, compensation in hereinafter for worldly suffering, and evil for flourishing. Key words The problem of evil, The Existential Problem of Evil, Religion and Evil, Religious Answers to Problem of Evil Introduction The problem of evil is one of the old and difficult problems in theology and philosophy, which is still discussed and disputed. Although the problem of evil is not only the problem of the theists, it is considered one of the most serious arguments against theism today. The problem of evil in our time is usually formulated in three ways: 1- The logical problem of evil 2- The relative problem of evil 3- The existence problem of evil. According to the origin of the answers - the answers to the problem of evil can be divided into three categories: 1- Philosophical answers 2- Psychological answers 3- Religious answers The religious answer is the answer that is explicitly or implicitly stated in the sacred religious texts (in the case of Islam: the Holy Quran and the Sunnah) and is based on accepted cosmological, anthropological, and theological presuppositions of religion. Therefore, calling these answers religious does not mean that these answers are only based on religious texts, but the rational, psychological, and moral reflections of humans may also lead to some of these answers. Therefore, the religiousness of the answers does not mean that they are irrational. The subject of this article is such that it is expected that many articles have been written in this direction. But as far as I have searched in detail, this issue has not been investigated independently and in detail. Of course, there have been references to this discussion in various research that these research records can be classified as follows: In some books or articles that have investigated the issue of divine justice, some of these answers have been briefly mentioned. In some articles that have reviewed the answers to the problem of evil in a general and general way, some religious answers have been mentioned in a very comprehensive way and with minimal mention of evidence. In the articles that have examined the issue of evil from the point of view of Muslim theologians, they have mentioned some of these answers (with minimal mention of narrative or Quranic evidence). But their central topic has been to examine the views of theologians about the rule of mercy and justice. Method To examine religion's response to the existential problem of evil, three forms of the famous problem of evil have been mentioned. Then, by searching and reflecting on verses and traditions, religious answers are categorized into eight answers. In each answer, first the Quranic evidence and then the narrative evidence has been presented. The method of this article is based on library study. In this way, in the first step, the propositions in the religious texts that were related to the issue in question were classified descriptively. In the second step, it has been tried to analyze the persuasiveness of these propositions in response to the existential problem of evil. Findings Religious answers to the problem of evil can be answers to the logical problem of evil and to the relative problem of evil and to the existential problem of evil. Religious answers, compared to philosophical answers, can better answer the existential problem of evil and restore a person's relationship with God or at least prevent the complete disconnection of the relationship with God. Rather than having a philosophical concern and an answer to the logical problem of evil, religious answers have an existentialist approach. For this purpose, they take the first step by accepting the existence of suffering in the world. Quran and hadiths accept the existence of suffering. Besides the direct answers to the problem of evil, religion offers its followers a worldview that works in line with the persuasiveness of religious answers. In this worldview, first of all, many examples of evil are not unavoidable and a person's life can turn out in a different way. In response to a believer's prayer, God may remove the suffering and calamity from him. That is, in his worldview, there is hope to get rid of suffering, and this hope itself makes it possible to endure suffering. Secondly, the foundation of the world is on mercy and forgiveness, and what happens to man from hardships and calamities is much less than what the servant deserved due to his shortcomings and sins. Also, the blessings given to man are much more than what he deserves. Conclusions and discussions Religious answers can better answer the existential problem of evil that is, they can maintain the religious person's trust and hope in God and make it easier to bear the suffering, for such answers raise the issue of evil less as a mental and philosophical issue, but rather have an existential approach. Another reason that makes religious answers more robust in making the sufferings of the world more bearable for us is that these answers are easy to understand and based on objective life experiences. It means that people have communicated with most of these answers in real life. Religious texts, in response to the problem of evil, are not satisfied with one answer, but have offered various answers. In the text of the article, eight answers have been examined in detail. These answers are: 1-suffering for trial; 2- Limitation of human cognitive abilities 3- warning to return and repentance 4- Difficulty is an obstacle for rebellion 5- Punishment for actions in the world 6 Attention to the hereafter 7- Afterlife compensation instead of worldly suffering; 8- Evil for prosperity. References - The Holy Quran - Faiz al-Kashani, Mulla Mohsen Mohammad Ibn Mortaza (1416 AH) al-Tafsir Al-Safi, Qom: Al-Sadr Maktabh .[In Arabic] - Faiz al-Kashani, Mullah Mohsen Mohammad Ibn Mortaza (1406 AH), Al-Wafi, Isfahan: Imam Amir al-Momineen Ali Library. [In Arabic] - Kolaini, Mohammad Ibn Yaqub (1379 SH) Usul Kafi, Tehran: Daftar-e motaliat-e Tarikh va Maarif-e islami. [In Persian] - Majlesi, Mohammad Baqer (1384 SH) Bihar al-Anwar, Tehran: Dar al-Kitab al-Islami. [In Persian] - Mohammadi Ray Shahri, Mohammad (1386 SH) Mizan Al-Hikmah, Qom: Dar al-Hadith. [In Persian] - Sheikh al-Mofid, Muhammad Ibn Ali (1406 AH) Thawab al-'Aamal w Iqab al-'Aamal‌, Qom: Dar al-Sharif al-Razi. [In Arabic] - Sheikh al-Mofid, Muhammad Ibn Muhammad (1413 AH) al-Amali, Qom: Sheikh Mofid Congress. [In Arabic] - Tabatabaii, Mohammad Hossein (1378 SH) Tafsir-e Almizan, Qom:Jamiah Modaresin. [In Persian] - Sobhani, Jaafar (1383 SH) Manshur-e Javid, Qom: Imam Sadiq Publication. [In Persian] - Sheikh al-Tusi, Muhammad Ibn Hasan (1414 AH) Al-Amali, Qom: Dar al-Thaqafah. [In Arabic] - Makarem Shirazi, Nasser (1380 SH) Tafsir-e Nemuneh, Tehran: Dar al-Kutub al-Islami. [In Persian] - Ibn Shu’bah Harani, Hassan Ibn Ali (1404 AH) Tuhaf al-Uqul, Qom: alnashr al-Islami. [In Arabic] - Tamimi Amadi, Abd al-Wahid Ibn Muhammad (1410 AH) Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Qom: Dar al-Kitab al-Islami. [In Arabic]

A critical analysis of “The problem of systemic evil” from the perspective of embodied awareness

hoosein sokhanvar; gholamhossein khedri

Volume 13, Issue 31 , February 2024

https://doi.org/10.30470/phm.2022.552348.2204

Abstract

“The problem of systemic evil” is a self-made concept belongs to Yujin Nagasawa. He unveiled in his article “The Problem of Evil for Atheists”. The main claim ... Read More

Syntax and Semantics of Quantified Modal Logic in Kripke's View

Volume 1, Issue 2 , July 2009, , Pages 11-30

Abstract

Saul kripke has constructed two distinct systems (1959&1963) to interpret Quantified Modal Logic. This article will have a review in syntax and semantics of these systems, and their ... Read More

Paradoxes of Confirmation

Volume 2, Issue 5 , April 2010, , Pages 83-108

Abstract

One of the most important epistemological problems is inductive reasoning, inference of a general judgment from instances, and preparing good evidence to confirm it. The problem is, ... Read More

نظام اخلاق فضیلت مدار ابن مسکویه و سهم آموزه های دینی در شکل گیری آن

Volume 1, Issue 4 , December 2009, , Pages 89-106

Abstract

Epistemological Approach to the Imaginaire and the Intermediate World from Ibn Arabi's Point of View

Volume 2, Issue 7.8 , September 2010, , Pages 113-139

Abstract

Ibn arabi believes that the Intermediate World is a contour between two things, the knowledge of which is rational, yet its existence is imaginary. He divides the levels of the Intermediate ... Read More

The Concept of Solidarity in Thought of Richard Rorty

Volume 3, Issue 9 , April 2013, , Pages 119-142

Abstract

As an analytic philosopher in postmodern thought who has pragmatic views on vocabulary and language, Rorty deconstructs various problems of philosophy. Hence, he questions the entire ... Read More As an analytic philosopher in postmodern thought who has pragmatic views on vocabulary and language, Rorty deconstructs various problems of philosophy. Hence, he questions the entire traditional epistemology with all its categories (such as Truth, objectivity, wisdom, etc). In his opinion, traditional philosophers (Plato, Descartes and Kant) believed in ahistorical and ahumanistic realities (such as Truth, good, God, etc), considering human beings as a servant and discoverers of eternal reality. Against these opinions, Rorty suggest the issue of solidarity; in other words, pragmatic agreements on the various issues are influenced by norms of private society. Rorty believes that if we confine the relationship between self and world, we will accept the idea that it is us who give 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 paradigm, we think by creating Truth instead of solidarity to human-like creatures of their environment, indeed those who overcome the environment are not like those who are at the service of the supreme creature. These instruments will help us to reinforce solidarity among human beings in order to move in the direction of a justice-oriented and free society which is far from any discrimination and suffering. Thus Truth will show itself in dynamisms of that society. Rorty looks for problem of traditional epistemology in attracting of realistic approach to various problems of philosophy. So he is an anti-realist philosopher who explains various philosophical concepts including the traditional concept of Truth. He suggests replacing the traditional concept of Truth (which is based on correspondence theory of Truth) with the concept of solidarity – and claims that there is nothing to suggest that the concept of solidarity has realistic elements and that solidarity (like other concepts made by mankind) is based on pragmatic interests. This article attempts to examine Rorty's claims.

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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