A Study of Opposite Reflections of Rationality in Theory of Culture in the Light of Max Weber's and Allamah Tabatabaii's Viewpoints

Rationality is a means of recognizing the reality of mankind and one of the important concepts of contemporary theory of culture. The main question of this discussion is: what is the relationship between Max Weber's view of rationality in his theory of culture and 'Allamah Tabatabaii's view of rationality? Taking into consideration the four types of rationality (substantive, formal, theoretical, practical), the author presents a logical-analytical review of the views of these two thinkers. He concludes that although both of them accept substantive and formal rationalities, there are fundamental differences between them in terms of the content of rationality manifested in theory and practice. Weber considers that rationality in everyday life is a reflection of a merely pragmatic and arbitrary view, i.e., selecting the most appropriate means for achieving one’s aim. He considers that modern world is a world where instrumental rationality has determined western man's social world by dominating all the social aspects of his life. Conversely, according to 'Allamah Tabatabaii's view, rationality is inseparably linked to man’s sound original nature. Therefore, man should meet all his needs and instincts and avoid going to extremes so that his nature (fitrah) may remain sound, his mind secure from deviation and his conduct rational and then he can live an agreeable life. Innate rationality contributes to framing an Islamic social life (agreeable life) and furnishing an agreeable social world for believers.