An Exploration of the Epistemology of Intellect from the Perspective of Allamah Majlisi and a Comparison of it with the Tafkik School

Allameh Majlesi, a prominent Shia thinker, is known for his apparent literalism due to his numerous hadith works. While utilizing rational arguments and acknowledging the important role of reason in religious knowledge, he has also criticized reason in some instances. Therefore, examining the position of rational knowledge in his thought is necessary. Considering the Tafkik (Separationist) approach in the present era, which relies on the opinions of predecessors, especially Allameh Majlesi, to deny rational knowledge, comparing Allameh Majlesi's views with this approach is important to clarify their similarities and differences. The present research, with the aim of analyzing rational knowledge from Allameh Majlesi's perspective and comparing it with the Tafkik viewpoint, addresses this question: What is Allameh Majlesi's epistemological view on reason, and what similarities and differences does it have with the Tafkikis? The results of this theoretical and problem-oriented research, which has been collected through library study, show that Allameh Majlesi's approach to rational knowledge is balanced, and he considers reason to be on par with tradition (naql) in religious knowledge. Therefore, fundamental differences are observed between his view and the Tafkik view, including the possibility of rational knowledge, the validity of the power of reason, the scope of rational perceptions, and the role of reason in religious research; Allameh Majlesi considers these aspects valid, while the Tafkikis reject or limit them. These differences distinguish Allameh Majlesi's view from the Tafkik approach.