Gholamali Moghadam; Amirhasan Sharifi Torbaty
Abstract
The problem of the connection between conventional perceptions (iʾtibāriyāt) and reality, and the relation of "is" to "ought," is one of the most important and difficult discussions ...
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The problem of the connection between conventional perceptions (iʾtibāriyāt) and reality, and the relation of "is" to "ought," is one of the most important and difficult discussions in the analytical sciences. The formulation and explanation of conventional perceptions (idrākāt iʾtibāriyya) and their manner of emergence by Allamah Tabataba'i is considered a turning point in this field. On the other hand, the foundation of these conventions upon human perceptions and emotions in his theory has given rise to controversial issues concerning their absoluteness or relativity. The central question of this study is whether, by establishing a connection between these conventions and the inherent requirements (iqtiḍāʾāt dhātiyya) of things, and by strengthening Allamah's foundation, a more robust account can be formulated—one that is more successful in addressing prevailing objections? It seems that according to Allamah's expression, although conventions such as obligation, ought, goodness and badness arise from variable needs and emotions, contrary to some interpretations, in his view these matters are not purely relative conventions; rather, they are rooted in the needs, innate constitution, and stable emotions of humans. In this article, using an analytical method, the issue of conventional perceptions from Allamah's perspective and its connection to reality is addressed, and by tracing the origin of the convention to inherent requirements, an attempt is made to emphasize and strengthen Allamah's foundation, and to explain the connection of the convention to reality and "is" to "ought" in an inherent manner.
