Massoud Toossi Saeidi
Abstract
The study of the epistemological validity of mystical perception, as one of the important examples of religious experiences, has been a part of the contemporary philosophy of religion discussions. In this article, first, the historical background of these issues is mentioned. Then, the challenges of ...
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The study of the epistemological validity of mystical perception, as one of the important examples of religious experiences, has been a part of the contemporary philosophy of religion discussions. In this article, first, the historical background of these issues is mentioned. Then, the challenges of defending the epistemological validity of religious and mystical experiences in the existing empiricist-naturalistic approach are pointed out and it is explained that the scientific explanation of religious and mystical experiences is one of the most fundamental challenges. In this regard, the necessity of rationalist-ontological shift to examine the epistemological validity of mystical perceptions is shown. In the following three sections Tabatabai's views are formulated in three areas: "The place of mystical perception in religious epistemology", "Ontology of perception and epistemological value" and "The criterion of the epistemological validity of mystical perception and spiritual journey". Finally, based on the Tabatabai's views in these three areas, his rationalist-ontological defence of the epistemic validity of mystical perception through the spiritual journey is formulated. Finally, it is concluded that according to Tabatabai's view, the knowledge of the presence of the abstract self in himself in the spiritual journey is the path to true mystical perceptions.
