A Study Concerning the Maimonides’ Viewpoint on the Role of Reason and The Law in Human’s perfection, on the Basis of Sadraei’s Approach

• Main Authors: Hojjat Ebrahim Najafabadi, Jafar Shanazari
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: University of Isfahan 2016-09-01
• Series: Comparative Theology
• Subjects: Human; Intellect; Goal; Perfection; Morality; Law
• Online Access: http://coth.ui.ac.ir/article_20769_59f7f726fd3ede39e9e0e8d3a6e353f5.pdf
• ISSN: 2008-9651; 2322-3421

Discussion on the reason and the law, and their functions and relationship in the theoretical and practical field, as well as their role in human understanding of the facts and directing the man in the course towards perfection, are issues that  have preoccupied theologians, Philosophers and mystics in centuries, and is still subject of review and reflection for many thinkers. Throughout the history of Islamic civilization and wisdom, in addition to Muslim scholars, among believers in other religions we encounter prominent and well-known philosophers  that alongside Muslim scholars, have tried to discuss and comment on these important issues; for example, Maimonides that was a prominent rabbi and sage in the sixth century AD, like the majority of sages regardes “human” as “rational soul” ,and considers the reason as the most important distinguishing factor of mankind that God has made human a gift of it. He believes that by benefitting from the reason and in the light of the commands of the Law of Moses (PBUH), everyone can achieve the highest degrees of perfection. Therefore, he suggests various levels for perfection that start from the low degree and end in point that prophets and saints have achieved. He emphasizes that other people as much as their attempt can travel through the grades of perfection and makes it clear  that just reaching the final stage, which includes knowledge of the facts, and especially the knowledge of God and his actions can bring true happiness for man. Also, according to his opinion the usage of reason and knowledge in arena of society causes social promotion and better interactions among people. Nevertheless, dispute of  his empathetic view about the place and ability of man qua man, unlike some group of mystics and philosophers, this Jewish thinker believes that among the creatures, some of them have their own purposes; so it is not correct to say that all of  them have created for human. Close to above ideas can be found in philosophy of Mulla Sadra  who is one of the most prominent   Muslim  philosophers that have serious concerns about "rationality" as the main censor of human from other animals. he believes that paying right of reason in both theoretical and practical aspects would provide genuine happiness and perfection for human. Actually, according to his mastery in rational and traditional knowledge, and in his intellectual framework, he makes effort to show the  function of reason and religion and  their mutual role for persons  who desire attaining the ultimate perfection . In this approach, compliance with religious laws in the realm of the individual and society, is the most important factor for human felicity. So, for this purpose ,he raises issues that has some similarities and differences with the views of Maimonides .Also, despite the latent abilities in reason,  Mulla Sadra, like Maimonides, accept the belief  in  human centrality among the beings in material world, not in whole of possible world. Accordingly ,In this paper the author tries to study  these two thinker’s approach  on the levels of prosperity, the role of law and reason in reaching ultimate human happiness and  the man position among the other creatures.