The Political Philosophy of Mullā Ṣadrā

This book provides a comprehensive and widely accessible analysis of Mullā Sadrā’s works in order to establish the nature of his political philosophy and seeks to instigate a dialogue on the relevance of Sadrā’s philosophy to present day challenges.

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Providing a comprehensive and widely accessible investigation into Mullā Ṣadrā’s works, this book establishes his political philosophy and instigates a dialogue on the relevance of Ṣadrā’s philosophy to present day challenges.

Investigating Ṣadrā’s primary sources, the book reveals that his discourse on politics cannot be interpreted as a discursive springboard for hierocracy and political authority of jurists, nor does the mystical attitude of his philosophy (with its emphasis on the inner aspects of religion) promote an idea of quietism or a fundamental separation of religion and politics. Laying the groundwork for further translations and interpretation, this volume is not just concerned with ‘political philosophy’ as yet another particular and limited facet of Ṣadrā’s overall system. Rather, through unifying mystical, intellectual and political aspects of this singular philosopher, the volume is concerned with properly contextualizing and understanding the guiding intentions and inspirations that unify and underlie all of his creative philosophical endeavour.

This pioneering and provocative work of genuine reflection is a new contribution to the wider subject of political philosophy. It will be of interest to researchers of political philosophy, Islamic philosophy, mysticism, theology, history and Iranian studies.