Discovering Tabatabaie: A Philosophical Study of the Shii Thinker of the 20th Century

Maryam OLAMAIEKOPAIE

Doctoral thesis

-

Searle on Institutional reality

Abstract:

This dissertation examines the philosophical method and intellectual sources of Allamah Muammad Husayn Tabatabaie (1904-1981), one of the most influential Islamic philosophers and Quranic commentators of the twentieth century. Through detailed analysis of his major works, particularly al-Mizan fi tafsir al-Quran, Usuli falsafa wa-ravish-i rialism, and Nihayat al-ikma, the study traces how Tabatabaie synthesized diverse intellectual traditions within Islamic thought while making original philosophical contributions. The dissertation argues that Tabatabaie's methodology represents a sophisticated integration of three complementary epistemic sources: rational demonstration (burhan), mystical unveiling (kashf), and scriptural revelation (naql). This integrative framework enables him to harmonize Peripatetic philosophy, Illuminationist intuitionism, and Islamic mysticism in his approach to both metaphysical inquiry and Quranic exegesis. Chapters on Ibn Sina and Mulla sadra demonstrate how tabatabaie critically appropriated and extended key doctrines from these foundational figures, including the existence-essence distinction, the primacy of existence (asalat al-wujud), systematic ambiguity of being (tashkik al-wujud), and substantial motion (al-araka al-jawhariya). The study reveals that while deeply rooted in the adrean tradition, tabatabaie refined arguments, addressed objections, and systematized transcendent theosophy for modern students. Most significantly, the dissertation analyzes tabatabaie 's original theory of mental constructions (itibariat); an ontological framework for understanding social institutions, ethical norms, and legal structures. This theory extends adrean metaphysics into domains of social ontology that earlier philosophers had not systematically developed, demonstrating tabatabaie's philosophical creativity alongside his traditional learning.

Abstract:

This dissertation examines the philosophical method and intellectual sources of Allamah Muammad Husayn Tabatabaie (1904-1981), one of the most influential Islamic philosophers and Quranic commentators of the twentieth century. Through detailed analysis of his major works, particularly al-Mizan fi tafsir al-Quran, Usuli falsafa wa-ravish-i rialism, and Nihayat al-ikma, the study traces how Tabatabaie synthesized diverse intellectual traditions within Islamic thought while making original philosophical contributions. The dissertation argues that Tabatabaie's methodology represents a sophisticated integration of three complementary epistemic sources: rational demonstration (burhan), mystical unveiling (kashf), and scriptural revelation (naql). This integrative framework enables him to harmonize Peripatetic philosophy, Illuminationist intuitionism, and Islamic mysticism in his approach to both metaphysical inquiry and Quranic exegesis. Chapters on Ibn Sina and Mulla sadra demonstrate how tabatabaie critically appropriated and extended key doctrines from these foundational figures, including the existence-essence distinction, the primacy of existence (asalat al-wujud), systematic ambiguity of being (tashkik al-wujud), and substantial motion (al-araka al-jawhariya). The study reveals that while deeply rooted in the adrean tradition, tabatabaie refined arguments, addressed objections, and systematized transcendent theosophy for modern students. Most significantly, the dissertation analyzes tabatabaie 's original theory of mental constructions (itibariat); an ontological framework for understanding social institutions, ethical norms, and legal structures. This theory extends adrean metaphysics into domains of social ontology that earlier philosophers had not systematically developed, demonstrating tabatabaie's philosophical creativity alongside his traditional learning.

Keywords

Islamic philosophy, Allamah Tabatabaie, Shii thought, Mental constructions

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 3. 2026

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Daniel Dominik Novotný, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Theology

Doctoral programme / field:
Philosophy / Philosophy