Philosophy of Religion Research

Rereading the Problem of Evil and Its Solutions in Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i's Thought Based on His Three Theories of “Self-knowledge”, “Iʾtibāriyyāt” and “Fall of Adam”

Document Type : Original Research

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Kalam and Islamic Philosophy, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30497/prr.2024.244034.1812

Abstract

The problem of evil is considered in conflict with the omniscience, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence of God. In this regard, different theodicies have been proposed, the most important of which are based on: the evil is imaginary or of non-existence, the sum of good is more than the sum of evil, other attributes of God should be considered, or the evil is the result of human’s volition. Tabataba'i’s response to the problem of evil is multifaceted. His response is based on his special conception of the philosophy of Adam's fall, the inextricable link between the human and Iʾtibāriyyāt (i.e. the perceptions based on the mental constructs), and self-alienation. Adam’s fall, which is due to man’s attention to his earthly body along with neglecting the presence of God, has created a new knowledge and a new world for him, which is accompanied by suffering. In this new world, mental constructs are separated from realities, as well as legislation from creation. As a result, cosmic evils are set apart from the legislative ones which are based on mental constructs; so that sometimes, a cosmic evil is considered good. One can acknowledge the pain and suffering as a means of testing and paying attention to God's presence, and in this way, he/she will face a world where pain and suffering not only become relieved and meaningful but also disappear. Accordingly, both real (cosmic) evils and the ones based on mental constructs (Iʾtibāriyyāt) can also be considered good in their current earthly situation based on their meaning in this kind of understanding.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Holy Quran
The Bible
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Philosophy of Religion Research
Volume 22, Issue 1 - Serial Number 43
May 2024
Pages 59-79