An Investigation into the Anthropological Viewpoints of Allameh Jafari on "Meaning of Life" and Educational Principles

Abstract

This paper tries to investigate the anthropological foundation of Jafari on the meaning of life and then some educational and basic principles taken from his viewpoints, will be discussed. The present study is descriptive – analytical approach, and the practical deduction and analytical transcendental methods have been used. The findings indicate that Jafari emphasizing on the religious approach, tries to trace it within the framework of reasonable life. He thinks that two basic elements of wisdom and conscience are very important in the elevation of life perfection of man that under the guidance of prophets' training, changes the man from the non self-made level into self-made and finally to God-made's. He knows the meaning of life and the purpose of life are synonyms and His viewpoints on the meaning of life are based on the theory of God's goal which means life will be meaningful to the extent that it will fulfill the God's goal in creation of man that is to be within the God's attraction. This is significant shift from "pure natural life" to "reasonable life" will be meaningful. The principles that are discussed here are as follows: elevation feelings, elevation of voluntary freedom, and superiority of deed over speech, training of conscience, reasoning along with refinement and accepting responsibility.

Keywords

• anthropology
• meaning of life
• educational principles
• reasonable life
• allameh jafari