Abstract
The humanities have some foundations. One of them is epistemology. It is a branch of philosophy which is going to be discussed from the perspective of Ayatollah Khamenei. So, in this article some questions should be answered: what is epistemology? Why is it very important? What is the history of epistemology? What is the main issue of epistemology? What the Ayatollah Khamenei talks about the epistemology?
What is epistemology?
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge, that is, with questions of what we know and how we know it.[1] It encompasses the nature of concepts, the constructing of concepts, the validity of the senses, logical reasoning, as well as thoughts, ideas, memories, emotions, and all things mental. It is concerned with how our minds are related to reality, and whether these relationships are valid or invalid.[2] However, Much of the discussions in epistemology focus on four areas: 1) the philosophical analysis of the nature of knowledge and how it relates to such concepts as truth, belief, and justification,[3] 2) various problems of skepticism, 3) the sources and scope of knowledge and justified belief, and 4) the criteria for knowledge and justification.[4]
Why epistemology is very important?
Epistemology is very important; firstly, because of the subject of epistemology is recognition. It discusses that recognition of the facts is possible or impossible. If it is possible, whether or not this recognition effects on human behavior? In these days a lot of scholars believe that the most of people behave according to their thinking not fact. So, the people do or behave based on their ideas. [5] Secondly, the recognition makes the foundation of the worldview. With the difference of recognition, the worldview became different. For example, the division of worldview to the materialistic worldview or the divine worldview is due to the differences of recognition. Of course, the difference of worldview causes the difference of ideologies. [6]
Ayatollah Khamenei said: This basic cognition (Recognition oneself) which is the essence of all worship and content of all prayers, secrets and needs of the saints of God is the important tools by which the human is polishing and preparing themselves for other cognitions and strengthening them for achieving to all ways of perfections. [7] The leader points to self-Knowledge, because he believes that the self-knowledge is the base of all recognition. In fact, everybody who knows exactly himself, he will know everything even the Allah. As The holy Qur'an command to recognize everybody themselves:" O you who believe! Take care of your souls". [8] Martyr Motahhari and Allameh Tabatabaei said: This verse is referring to self-knowledge. [9]
References
[1] Jeane W. Anastas, B.L.S., M.S., (2002), " Why Epistemology Matters, New York, P. 2.
[2] http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Epistemology_Main.html
[3] Steup, Matthias. Zalta, Edward N., ed. “Epistemology”. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2014 Ed.).
[4] Epistemology An overview, P.1.
[5] Ali rezeian, (), organization of behavioral theories, Iran, Samat, P.
[6] Murtadha Mutahhar, (), Problem recognition, p. 16.
[7] Message to the Congress of the great Hajj. (http://farsi.khamenei.ir/message-content?id=2880)
[8] Sura 5: AL-MAED, 105. يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا عَلَيْکُمْ أَنْفُسَکُمْ...
[9] Murtadha Mutahhar, (), Problem recognition, p. 16.