مطالب مرتبط با کلیدواژه

Epistemology


۲۱.

Functional Fit and the Instrumental Character of Knowledge: Rethinking the Theory of Knowledge with Radical Constructivism(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

کلیدواژه‌ها: Radical Constructivism Explanatory Pluralism Knowledge Fit Epistemology Instrumentalism Pragmatism

حوزه‌های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۱۹۳ تعداد دانلود : ۱۰۲
Radical constructivism (RC), introduced by Ernst von Glasersfeld, is an instrumentalist theory of knowledge that challenges the notion of knowledge as a picture or representation of a real, external world. Instead, RC, by integrating ideas from different theoretical fields - such as cybernetics, evolutionary biology, and evolutionary psychology - considers the purpose of the cognitive organism to construct knowledge not to achieve truth, but to construct perceptual and conceptual structures that help to maintain adaptation and cognitive equilibrium. However, the basic question here is, by what character these structures can achieve the purpose. By examining Glasersfeld's writings, this paper argues that the character is a "functional fit", which is based on a fundamental shift in RC, i.e. the shift from "matching" to "fitness". From this point of view, the "fit knowledge" is not due to its match with the external reality, but due to its repeated success in solving a specific problem, it is viable, and by preventing unwanted changes or perturbations, it gives order to the experiential world of the organism and helps to maintain its cognitive equilibrium. This perspective has the potential to create transformation in various fields, from education to ethics and social issues. Therefore, this paper, while examining the basic concepts of radical constructivist epistemology, also deals with its theoretical and practical applications.
۲۲.

Sheikh Mufid’s Epistemological Views on Sensory Perception(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

کلیدواژه‌ها: Sheikh Mufid Epistemology Sensory Perception Reason revelation certain knowledge

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تعداد بازدید : ۲۷ تعداد دانلود : ۲۶
Sensory perception is a fundamental component of Islamic epistemology, playing a crucial role in human understanding of the external world. Sheikh Mufid, a prominent Twelver theologian, adopts a reason-centered approach to this subject, arguing that the senses alone are insufficient to produce certain knowledge; rather, valid knowledge emerges only through their interaction with reason. By distinguishing between simple and composite sensory perception, he clarifies the role of reason in analyzing and affirming sensory data, emphasizing the necessity of filtering illusions and imaginations through rational scrutiny. Moreover, while he upholds direct realism in perception—affirming a direct connection between the perceiver and the perceived—he also acknowledges its limitations. The findings of this study indicate that Sheikh Mufid presents a systematic framework for understanding the interaction between the senses, reason, and revelation, maintaining a firm stance against epistemic relativism. His rationalist approach has not only shaped Shiite theological epistemology but also offers valuable insights for contemporary epistemological analysis.
۲۳.

A Study of the Epistemological and Methodological Foundations of Qadi Abdul Jabbar and Shaykh Mufid Regarding Religious Knowledge(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

کلیدواژه‌ها: Epistemology Methodology Reason Quran Sunnah

حوزه‌های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۲۴ تعداد دانلود : ۱۹
Considering the fundamental role of the intellectual foundations of every theologian in his opinions and theological thoughts, this article aims to examine the epistemological and methodological foundations of two influential theologians in the history of Islamic theology belonging to the two major theological schools, the Shiites (Imamīyyah) and the Muʿtazilites. This research has been done through the descriptive-analytical method, using library resources.  By analyzing the works and ideas of two thinkers, the researchers concluded that both theologians regard the knowledge of God as the primary obligation for every intellectually mature human being. This knowledge is intellectual and even pre-religious in nature. Furthermore, practical reason demands that every individual recognize the true Creator of themselves and the world. Morally, they are also bound to express gratitude to their benefactor.. Reason is not only the foundation of all religious knowledge but one must also seek guidance from the illuminating light of reason in understanding religion, for which the Book and tradition are the most important sources. These two thinkers align in their rational and narrative approaches to understanding religion; however, they differ regarding the function of reason, the relationship between reason and transmitted knowledge (naql), and specific instances within tradition, all of which are examined in this article.