Human Knowledge; Veils and Barriers: Emphasizing the Views of Francis Bacon and Ayatollah Javadi Amoli

The current research studies the veils of knowledge comparatively and explain the quality of their negative functions. Veils of knowledge fulfill their negative functions in three ways; 1) negative function in obtaining knowledge, 2) negative function in perfection of knowledge, and 3) negative function in promotion of knowledge. The article has primarily reviewed the comparing views on the veils of knowledge and then discussed the negative functions in the views of Francis Bacon, particularly his views on “idols of mind which include idol of tribe, idol of cave, idol of marketplace and idol of the theater. Subsequently, the veils of knowledge in the views of Ayatollah Javadi Amoli are discussed which include general veil, specific veil and the most specific veil. Finally the two views are analyzed, evaluated and criticized comparatively.