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Volume 4, Issue 3 (2024)
Geo Res 2024, 4(3): 281-299 |
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History
Received: 2024/08/5 | Accepted: 2024/12/10 | Published: 2024/12/20
Received: 2024/08/5 | Accepted: 2024/12/10 | Published: 2024/12/20
How to cite this article
Mobini M. Allameh Jafari’s Viewpoint on Moral Value and its Extensometry in the Existential Fitness Theory. Geo Res 2024; 4 (3) :281-299
URL: http://jpt.modares.ac.ir/article-6-76230-en.html
URL: http://jpt.modares.ac.ir/article-6-76230-en.html
Department of Moral Philosophy, Research Center for Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran
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Introduction
Previously, the author of this article has proposed a theory regarding moral value titled the Theory of Existential Fitness, which fundamentally emphasizes the independence of moral value. However, when a monotheistic worldview is chosen for interpreting existence, the existential fitness between the moral agent and God plays a central role in establishing moral value [Mobini, 2013; Mobini, 2020]. This article aims to present a formulation of Allameh Muhammad Taqi Jafari's views on moral value and to clarify the similarities and differences between his theory and the Theory of Existential Fitness. The points of harmony between these two theories are so significant that one can consider the Theory of Existential Fitness as an extension or elaboration of Jafari's theory, which will be revealed in this paper. Both theories share common ground on the issue of the independence of moral value and its aesthetic representation. At the same time, their divergence lies in the relationship between morality and the concept of God. Allameh Jafari adopts an aesthetic perspective on morality [Jafari, 2022], and from this perspective, it is essential to compare his view with the Theory of Existential Fitness. Some studies conducted thus far have specifically focused on the aesthetic aspects of Jafari's discussions, with some attention given to their relationship with ethics; for instance, [Mostafavi, 2019; Dadjoo & Masoumi, 2015]. However, these studies did not aim to achieve Jafari's ethical theory. Other research has examined Jafari's views from the perspective of ethical philosophy, but neglected the aesthetic dimensions of his discussions [Azadi, 2021]. The merit of this article lies in extracting Allameh Jafari's ethical theory from an aesthetic perspective.
The Dual Nature of Beauty
Jafari's dualistic view of beauty considers it a dual truth rooted both within humans and externally [Jafari, 2022: 104-106]. This view aligns with the response dependence theory of beauty [Eric & Shelley, 2012: 1], which posits that something is considered beautiful if it elicits a specific response under suitable conditions for a particular audience [Johnston, 1992]. The Theory of Existential Fitness is precisely based on such a premise [Mobini, 2020], marking the first point of commonality between Jafari's views and this theory.
Rational Beauty
From Jafari's perspective, human understanding of beauty encompasses not only tangible beauty but also rational beauty, which is an essential aspect of the inner pole [Jafari, 2022: 113-114]. The relationship between beauty and morality has been a subject of interest among many thinkers [Hemmati et al., 2018; Salmani, 2015]. Allameh Jafari fully presents ethics within an aesthetic framework. In the Theory of Existential Fitness, beauty is not limited to the tangible; moral values also possess their unique beauty. Essentially, it is claimed that one can provide a unified explanation for both moral and non-moral beauty [Mobini, 2020].
Beauty and Value
Allameh Jafari considers the common use of value as a utilitarian use, which is distinct from the concept of beauty. However, he believes that one can discuss the nature of values beyond mere profit and loss considerations [Jafari, 2021: 116]. He believes that humans can ascend to a level where they entirely forget their self and become absorbed in beauty [Jafari, 2000: 74-75]. Among thinkers who advocate for intrinsic good and bad, there are differences regarding how intrinsic these concepts are [Javadi & Sheikhi, 2008]. Allameh Jafari considers intrinsic goodness as inherent beauty within the act itself and rejects any consequentialist or utilitarian perspectives at the highest ethical level. The Theory of Existential Fitness also emphasizes that the moral value of an act is an authentic value that cannot be reduced to anything else; every moral act is inherently beautiful [Mobini, 2020].
The Connection of Perfection and Beauty
Jafari links the utilitarian definition of perfection to the issue of the struggle for survival and rejects it [Jafari, 2004: 63-64]. He defines perfection as a state where all components of a collection possess their lawful existence without violating each other's lawful existence, thereby maintaining balance among them according to their existence and governing laws. Such a collection exhibits perfection and appears beautiful [Jafari, 2022: 152-153]. This lawful interrelation among beings necessitates that existence has a divine origin and everything is created according to an intelligent design. In addition to its divine origin, perfection possesses a divine purpose: harmonizing with God. This occurs in the form of knowing God and worshiping Him, representing the pinnacle of perfection for creatures [Jafari, 2009: 97]. The Theory of Existential Fitness aligns perfectly with Jafari's theory regarding ethical beauty. It states that existential perfection differs fundamentally from value-based perfection. Existential perfection refers to the existential capabilities possessed by an entity. In contrast, value-based perfection signifies that an entity occupies its appropriate existential position without conflicting with the positions of others [Mobini, 2020].
Divine Origin of Beauty
Allameh Jafari perceives the essence and supreme example of beauty in God's existence, where beauty cannot be analyzed. In our world filled with various beauties, finding a common comprehensive aspect among them seems impossible unless we regard all as manifestations of that absolute beauty. However, it is unreasonable to seek reasons for God's beauty [Jafari, 2022: 42-45]. In the Theory of Existential Fitness, it is claimed that a common analysis of moral beauty can be presented regarding God and creatures. Therefore, from this perspective, one cannot consider this theory as merely an extension of Allameh Jafari's ethical beauty theory due to a significant distinction between the two theories in this regard.
Order as an Objective Source of Beauty
Allameh Jafari believes that God has created beauty in the universe by creating a supreme order. According to Allameh, what makes a set beautiful is not the independent beauty of its parts; rather, it is the specific combination of these parts that creates beauty. [Jafari, 2022: 144-147] In this regard as well, one could consider the Theory of Existential Fitness as an extension of Allameh Jafari’s theory because it fundamentally relies on key concepts such as harmony and fitness while asserting that existential fitness among beings constitutes their source of beauty [Mobini, 2020].
Commonality in Beauty
According to Jafari, given the vast diversity among beautiful entities, finding a common definition for all forms of beauty proves challenging. Nonetheless, he argues that at an abstract level, there exists potential for definition; however, it cannot be termed as a true definition in logical terms [Jafari, 2022: 152]. At an abstract level, he considers the common aspect of beauty to be that a set of components is harmoniously located alongside each other in the channel of their legal existence; in such a way that there is no interference between the components and the legal existence of none is violated. The Theory of Existential Fitness also defends this commonality and, in this respect, is considered an extension of the theory of Allameh Jafari. However, it asserts that explanations based on harmony can be presented not only at the level of creatures but also at the level of the Creator, and this is the fundamental distinction between these two theories [Mobini, 2020].
The Central Role of Religion in Achieving True Harmony Among Humanity
Allameh Jafari maintains that only religion can create genuine harmony and unity among humans [Jafari, 2022: 335]. The Theory of Existential Fitness also emphasizes harmony as the source of beauty; however, given that there are different types of harmony, this theory stresses existential harmony or fitness while highlighting the existential fitness between the creature and God. So far, there exists an overlap between the Theory of Existential Fitness and Allameh Jafari's theory of moral beauty. The fundamental difference arises from Jafari's belief that no analysis can be provided regarding God's beauty. In contrast, the Theory of Existential Fitness asserts feasibility for providing unified explanations regarding the morality of God and man. This marks a significant point distinguishing between the two theories [Mobini, 2020].
Conclusion
There are numerous points shared between Allameh Jafari’s theory and the Theory of Existential Fitness, so that the theory of Existential Fitness can be considered an extension of Allameh Jafari’s theory of moral beauty. Late Allameh Jafari presents both an aesthetic interpretation of ethics, utilizing concepts like fitness and harmony at certain levels within ethics. The main divergence between his ethical beauty theory and the Theory of Existential Fitness lies in the ultimate explanation of morality; he regards moral beauty at the creature's level as explicable through harmony and fitness, yet asserts that it ultimately reaches divine, absolute beauty, where no further explanation can be provided. Conversely, the Theory of Existential Fitness claims inclusivity regarding divine rank, asserting moral beauty in God can also be explained through existential fitness.
Previously, the author of this article has proposed a theory regarding moral value titled the Theory of Existential Fitness, which fundamentally emphasizes the independence of moral value. However, when a monotheistic worldview is chosen for interpreting existence, the existential fitness between the moral agent and God plays a central role in establishing moral value [Mobini, 2013; Mobini, 2020]. This article aims to present a formulation of Allameh Muhammad Taqi Jafari's views on moral value and to clarify the similarities and differences between his theory and the Theory of Existential Fitness. The points of harmony between these two theories are so significant that one can consider the Theory of Existential Fitness as an extension or elaboration of Jafari's theory, which will be revealed in this paper. Both theories share common ground on the issue of the independence of moral value and its aesthetic representation. At the same time, their divergence lies in the relationship between morality and the concept of God. Allameh Jafari adopts an aesthetic perspective on morality [Jafari, 2022], and from this perspective, it is essential to compare his view with the Theory of Existential Fitness. Some studies conducted thus far have specifically focused on the aesthetic aspects of Jafari's discussions, with some attention given to their relationship with ethics; for instance, [Mostafavi, 2019; Dadjoo & Masoumi, 2015]. However, these studies did not aim to achieve Jafari's ethical theory. Other research has examined Jafari's views from the perspective of ethical philosophy, but neglected the aesthetic dimensions of his discussions [Azadi, 2021]. The merit of this article lies in extracting Allameh Jafari's ethical theory from an aesthetic perspective.
The Dual Nature of Beauty
Jafari's dualistic view of beauty considers it a dual truth rooted both within humans and externally [Jafari, 2022: 104-106]. This view aligns with the response dependence theory of beauty [Eric & Shelley, 2012: 1], which posits that something is considered beautiful if it elicits a specific response under suitable conditions for a particular audience [Johnston, 1992]. The Theory of Existential Fitness is precisely based on such a premise [Mobini, 2020], marking the first point of commonality between Jafari's views and this theory.
Rational Beauty
From Jafari's perspective, human understanding of beauty encompasses not only tangible beauty but also rational beauty, which is an essential aspect of the inner pole [Jafari, 2022: 113-114]. The relationship between beauty and morality has been a subject of interest among many thinkers [Hemmati et al., 2018; Salmani, 2015]. Allameh Jafari fully presents ethics within an aesthetic framework. In the Theory of Existential Fitness, beauty is not limited to the tangible; moral values also possess their unique beauty. Essentially, it is claimed that one can provide a unified explanation for both moral and non-moral beauty [Mobini, 2020].
Beauty and Value
Allameh Jafari considers the common use of value as a utilitarian use, which is distinct from the concept of beauty. However, he believes that one can discuss the nature of values beyond mere profit and loss considerations [Jafari, 2021: 116]. He believes that humans can ascend to a level where they entirely forget their self and become absorbed in beauty [Jafari, 2000: 74-75]. Among thinkers who advocate for intrinsic good and bad, there are differences regarding how intrinsic these concepts are [Javadi & Sheikhi, 2008]. Allameh Jafari considers intrinsic goodness as inherent beauty within the act itself and rejects any consequentialist or utilitarian perspectives at the highest ethical level. The Theory of Existential Fitness also emphasizes that the moral value of an act is an authentic value that cannot be reduced to anything else; every moral act is inherently beautiful [Mobini, 2020].
The Connection of Perfection and Beauty
Jafari links the utilitarian definition of perfection to the issue of the struggle for survival and rejects it [Jafari, 2004: 63-64]. He defines perfection as a state where all components of a collection possess their lawful existence without violating each other's lawful existence, thereby maintaining balance among them according to their existence and governing laws. Such a collection exhibits perfection and appears beautiful [Jafari, 2022: 152-153]. This lawful interrelation among beings necessitates that existence has a divine origin and everything is created according to an intelligent design. In addition to its divine origin, perfection possesses a divine purpose: harmonizing with God. This occurs in the form of knowing God and worshiping Him, representing the pinnacle of perfection for creatures [Jafari, 2009: 97]. The Theory of Existential Fitness aligns perfectly with Jafari's theory regarding ethical beauty. It states that existential perfection differs fundamentally from value-based perfection. Existential perfection refers to the existential capabilities possessed by an entity. In contrast, value-based perfection signifies that an entity occupies its appropriate existential position without conflicting with the positions of others [Mobini, 2020].
Divine Origin of Beauty
Allameh Jafari perceives the essence and supreme example of beauty in God's existence, where beauty cannot be analyzed. In our world filled with various beauties, finding a common comprehensive aspect among them seems impossible unless we regard all as manifestations of that absolute beauty. However, it is unreasonable to seek reasons for God's beauty [Jafari, 2022: 42-45]. In the Theory of Existential Fitness, it is claimed that a common analysis of moral beauty can be presented regarding God and creatures. Therefore, from this perspective, one cannot consider this theory as merely an extension of Allameh Jafari's ethical beauty theory due to a significant distinction between the two theories in this regard.
Order as an Objective Source of Beauty
Allameh Jafari believes that God has created beauty in the universe by creating a supreme order. According to Allameh, what makes a set beautiful is not the independent beauty of its parts; rather, it is the specific combination of these parts that creates beauty. [Jafari, 2022: 144-147] In this regard as well, one could consider the Theory of Existential Fitness as an extension of Allameh Jafari’s theory because it fundamentally relies on key concepts such as harmony and fitness while asserting that existential fitness among beings constitutes their source of beauty [Mobini, 2020].
Commonality in Beauty
According to Jafari, given the vast diversity among beautiful entities, finding a common definition for all forms of beauty proves challenging. Nonetheless, he argues that at an abstract level, there exists potential for definition; however, it cannot be termed as a true definition in logical terms [Jafari, 2022: 152]. At an abstract level, he considers the common aspect of beauty to be that a set of components is harmoniously located alongside each other in the channel of their legal existence; in such a way that there is no interference between the components and the legal existence of none is violated. The Theory of Existential Fitness also defends this commonality and, in this respect, is considered an extension of the theory of Allameh Jafari. However, it asserts that explanations based on harmony can be presented not only at the level of creatures but also at the level of the Creator, and this is the fundamental distinction between these two theories [Mobini, 2020].
The Central Role of Religion in Achieving True Harmony Among Humanity
Allameh Jafari maintains that only religion can create genuine harmony and unity among humans [Jafari, 2022: 335]. The Theory of Existential Fitness also emphasizes harmony as the source of beauty; however, given that there are different types of harmony, this theory stresses existential harmony or fitness while highlighting the existential fitness between the creature and God. So far, there exists an overlap between the Theory of Existential Fitness and Allameh Jafari's theory of moral beauty. The fundamental difference arises from Jafari's belief that no analysis can be provided regarding God's beauty. In contrast, the Theory of Existential Fitness asserts feasibility for providing unified explanations regarding the morality of God and man. This marks a significant point distinguishing between the two theories [Mobini, 2020].
Conclusion
There are numerous points shared between Allameh Jafari’s theory and the Theory of Existential Fitness, so that the theory of Existential Fitness can be considered an extension of Allameh Jafari’s theory of moral beauty. Late Allameh Jafari presents both an aesthetic interpretation of ethics, utilizing concepts like fitness and harmony at certain levels within ethics. The main divergence between his ethical beauty theory and the Theory of Existential Fitness lies in the ultimate explanation of morality; he regards moral beauty at the creature's level as explicable through harmony and fitness, yet asserts that it ultimately reaches divine, absolute beauty, where no further explanation can be provided. Conversely, the Theory of Existential Fitness claims inclusivity regarding divine rank, asserting moral beauty in God can also be explained through existential fitness.