The Role of Knowledge and Practice in Human Happiness from the Perspective of Sadr Al-Mota'allehin

Are opinion (as the product and perfection of theoretical reason) and practice (as the result and perfection of practical reason) involved in the ultimate happiness of humans? Why and how? According to a well-known perspective, Sadr Al-Mota'allehin regards the perfection of theoretical reason as the foundational structure of ultimate human happiness and the perfection of practical reason as a means of removing obstacles toward achieving theoretical reason's perfection, which constitutes ultimate happiness. Furthermore, he advances a related theory suggesting that ultimate happiness not only stems from the knowledge derived from theoretical reason but also requires detachment from material concerns—a practical virtue and outcome of practical reason. This detachment is an intrinsic affirmative act within the core structure of ultimate happiness. In this view, the perfection of theoretical reason (knowledge) is the principal element of ultimate happiness, while the perfection of practical reason (virtuous dispositions) forms its supporting framework. Finally, Sadr Al-Mota'allehin identifies the highest human ascent as annihilation, where theoretical and practical faculties unify and merge in the Divine Essence, culminating in ultimate happiness.

کلیدواژه ها:

opinion ، Practice ، Perfection of Theoretical Reason ، Perfection of Practical Reason ، Ultimate happiness ، soul ، Sadr Al-Mota' ، allehin