A study on Some of Molana’s Educational Views and it’s philosophical presuppositions

This paper examines Molana’s – a 7th century Iranian poet’s- philosophical views about education. First, Molana’s philosophical presuppositions in his educational views is stated. These presuppositions are as follows: He holds that all of the creatures are different expressions of God and they belonged to him all the time. It follows that every thing is originated from God and then come back to him again. In other words, God is a unique power in the world that can influence other creatures. Also, he argues that all of the creatures are able to understand and can percept. In epistemology, he sees the world in a symbolic way and considers things as many symbols that convey some messages. He also accepts the whole reason but challenges partial reason. So he criticizes narrow version of reason which is restricted in logical argumentations. On the human being, Molana holds that human being is a multiple identity but his spirit is superior to his body. So human being is originated from God and then returns to him again. However he holds that negligence is an important element of human characteristics. Moreover he argues that human being is free to select some options. In axiology, he accounts God as a unique origin and aim of values too and he views human intent as a source of validity in his action. Thus, his educational aim is movement towards God and expansion of human existence. In education process, we can deduct some general principle from his views. Human responsibility for his own education, coordinating education with everybody’s abilities, concentrating to the inside of learner and changing the stream of education towards a fixed aim are some of them. The other ones are self-evaluation, trusting the teacher and the precedence of refinement on knowledge. Moreover Molana offers three methods for education: self-impose, giving insight about self and self-position and loving God.