The Nature of Innate Perceptions in Eyes of Allama Javadi Amoli

Any structure or system, if based on well-grounded and strong principles, is immune from the threat of destruction. The great epistemic system of human being which is among the most important and fundamental structures is no exception. It will be immune from any doubt and skepticism if it is grounded on firm and undeniable principles. Thus in order to attain this goal, Islamic philosophers have introduced for human thought primary principles on which his attitudes as well as perceptions are based. Although they are just a few in number, these principles are of the peculiar feature that there is no doubt in their being self-evident and justifiable and thus they are called innate perceptions. In view if his theological–philosophical approach Allma Javadi Amoli has argued in favor of rational foundations with reference to holy Qurānic verses and hadiths of holy Imams. Having presented conceptual analysis for the term innate (fitra in Arabic) and its usages, this article attempts to examine the relation of innate perception with primary principles of thought, showing the status and function of such perceptions in edifice of human knowledge and their role in removing doubts and critiques of the opponents.