Explanation of the compatibility between determinism and free will based on the theory of godliness of human from the perspective of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental wisdom
Professor Of Department of Theology, Payame Noor Unvierstiy, Tehran, Iran
10.30473/pms.2025.72475.2110
Abstract
In this article, using a mainly descriptive-analytical method, we will explain, analyze, and evaluate Mulla Sadra’s response to the issue of how one can accept the free will of human actions by believing in the principle of causality and monotheism of actions. Based on the principle of causality and causal determination, Mulla Sadra accepts that free will does not mean the “possibility” or “correctness” of an act or omission, but he believes that the presence of characteristics in the subject makes us consider him free and his action voluntary. Thus, his view is a kind of compatibility between Determinism and Free Will, which is interpreted as the “middle school” in theological formulation. His most important explanation of the issue of human free will is that man, as the vicegerent of God and the full mirror of divine attributes, possesses all divine perfections, including knowledge, power, and free will. This solution is based on the belief in the similitude of man with God or the godhood of man, which is rooted in some verses of the Quran and narrations. In this explanation, Mulla Sadra has tried to apply his ontological and anthropological foundations and principles regarding the organizational unity of existence and the comprehensive status and divine caliphate of man in harmony with religious texts and the views of the mystics to solve the problem. Finally, we will discuss the criticisms and responses that can be raised about Mulla Sadra's method and the content of his theory
Zamani, M. (2025). Explanation of the compatibility between determinism and free will based on the theory of godliness of human from the perspective of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental wisdom. SADRĀ’I WISDOM, (), -. doi: 10.30473/pms.2025.72475.2110
MLA
Zamani, M. . "Explanation of the compatibility between determinism and free will based on the theory of godliness of human from the perspective of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental wisdom", SADRĀ’I WISDOM, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.30473/pms.2025.72475.2110
HARVARD
Zamani, M. (2025). 'Explanation of the compatibility between determinism and free will based on the theory of godliness of human from the perspective of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental wisdom', SADRĀ’I WISDOM, (), pp. -. doi: 10.30473/pms.2025.72475.2110
CHICAGO
M. Zamani, "Explanation of the compatibility between determinism and free will based on the theory of godliness of human from the perspective of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental wisdom," SADRĀ’I WISDOM, (2025): -, doi: 10.30473/pms.2025.72475.2110
VANCOUVER
Zamani, M. Explanation of the compatibility between determinism and free will based on the theory of godliness of human from the perspective of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental wisdom. SADRĀ’I WISDOM, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.30473/pms.2025.72475.2110
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