Mutahhari on the System of Normative Propositions in Theistic Thought

Abstract

In this article, I shall describe the influence of theistic thought on variant dimensions of knowledge through classification and analysis of Mutahhari’s writings. In particular, I shall develop two criteria which have been inspired from 2: 156 (We are for God and we shall return toward him). These criteria are “from-him-ness” and “toward-him-ness” and they can be counted as a basis for normative propositions. I believe that divine orders have been manifested both in reason and revelation. Meanwhile, rational normative propositions can be divided into propositions of moral obligation and that of non-moral obligation. A further criterion, which is the spirit of human actions, is godly motivation. Hence, putting these criteria together, we will have sixteen cases, seven cases of which, I shall argue, would be a recommended action in theistic thought.

Keywords

• normative propositions
• theistic thought
• “from-him-ness” criterion
• “toward-him-ness” criterion
• revelation
• reason
• moral obligations
• mutahhari