Fundamentals of Epistemology in Imam Khomeini’s Political Thought

Abstract

Given the pivotal significance of Imam Khomeini’s thoughts in the development of post-Revolution political order and his multifaceted scientific personality, in this research study we intend to review his mystical, ethical and philosophical works to find an appropriate answer to the following main question: What are the mystical, ethical and philosophical fundamentals in Imam Khomeini’s intellectual system? The findings of this paper obtained through Skinner's Methodology of Intentional Hermeneutics indicate that in his analysis of epistemology, Imam Khomeini considers it as a graded phenomenon. Since mankind’s scope of epistemology is restricted to natural science, he believes in the necessity of religion and the need for sending messengers. As a result of this attitude, he believes in a wide spectrum of sources for cognition such as rational sources, sacred text and intuitional sources. In terms of ontology, Imam Khomeini follows Mulla Sadra’s transcendental philosophy and a graded order in the universe. He considers all creatures as manifestations of God created in His name and based on Divine fitra (nature). As in terms of anthropology, Imam Khomeini addresses human being in his highest ever stage, i.e. most perfect creature, vicegerent of God on earth, and manifestation of a perfect human. Introducing a double-fitra theory in man’s self, i.e. spiritual fitra veiled in nature and unveiled spiritual fitra, he argues that the first is one of the armies of ignorance and the source of wickedness and the latter is an army of reason and a factor for human salvation. In methodology, too, Imam Khomeini believes in multiple methods and using each method of epistemology within its scope of applicability.

Keywords

• imam khomeini
• epistemology
• ontology
• anthropology
• methodology