A Critical Reassessment of Mirza Mahdi Isfahani's Thought on the Rejection of Reason's Validity in Metaphysical Knowledge: A Shift from Critique of Arguments to Consequence Analysis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Graduate in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Religions and Denominations, Qam, Iran .

2 Professor, Department of Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Philosophy and Ethics, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

Mīrzā Mahdī Iṣfahānī, the founder of the Tafkīk School, introduced an alternative epistemological framework, thereby presenting a distinct approach to understanding religious knowledge. The core of this system lies in the rejection of the validity of philosophical reason in the domains of metaphysics and theology, emphasizing instead sources such as innate nature (fiṭrah), illuminative knowledge (‘ilm-i nūrī), illuminative intellect (‘aql-i nūrī), and definitive religious texts (nuṣūṣ). Through a fundamental critique of universal concepts, rational demonstration, and the principle of causality, Iṣfahānī sought to safeguard pure monotheism and to preserve divine transcendence from any form of anthropomorphism or limitation. Within this framework, true knowledge is attained not through mental concepts and philosophical reasoning, but through divine bestowal and an unmediated encounter with reality. While elucidating the positive foundations of this system, the present article examines its deficiencies and consequences, including conceptual ambiguity in defining reason and illuminative knowledge, the absence of criteria for assessment and falsifiability, internal contradictions regarding the status of innate knowledge, and the self-referential challenge inherent in critiquing universal concepts. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the denial of the epistemic authority of reason and certainty subjects Iṣfahānī's epistemological system to logical circularity and undermines the possibility of rationally justifying initial religious belief. Finally, the social implications of this approach—including epistemic isolation and the weakening of interreligious dialogue—are analyzed. This research endeavors to provide a comprehensive picture of the internal coherence and practical efficacy
Within this framework, true knowledge is not attained through mental concepts or philosophical reasoning, but rather through divine effusion and direct, unmediated encounter with truth. The present article elucidates the affirmative foundations of this system while also examining its shortcomings and implications, including: conceptual ambiguity in defining "luminous intellect" and "luminous knowledge"; the lack of measurable criteria and testability; internal contradictions in the position of innate knowledge; and the self-referential challenge in critiquing universal concepts. It further demonstrates that the rejection of the authority of reason and certainty leads to circular reasoning within Isfahani’s epistemological system and undermines the possibility of rational justification for primary religious beliefs.

Finally, the social consequences of this approach—such as epistemic isolation and the weakening of interreligious dialogue—are analyzed. This study aims to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the internal coherence and practical viability of this epistemological system.

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References

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