Are the Decline of Rationality and Lack of Break with the Foundations the Reason of Historical Backwardness? Review and Criticism of Javad Tabatabai's Theory

The present paper is a review and critique on Javad Tabatabai’s theory, “Decline of Iran”, via the classification system of theories based on Saussure’s binary oppositions. The system of classification is based on three binary oppositions that are nation and state, internal factors and external factors as well as the subjective and objective approach. By using the descriptive-analytic methodology, the paper shows that Tabatabai’s theory is a subjective- internal- nation-based. Although the theory emphasized on the internal factors but in fact the reason of decline of Iran seems to be related to the Seljuqs Turks and Mongols invasions. These are the reasons for ruling of prejudice that caused the losing of balance between reason and religion as well as the decline of rationality. The failure of his theory is its subjective approach and denial of objective approach in analyzing the subject. Although Tabatabai’s theory is a serious conceptual theory, there are some inner contradictions, putting emphasize on external factors with an objective approach as well as neglecting of social realities; so, it is not able to explain Iran historical backwardness.