A Comparative Study of the Concept of Essence in Spinoza's Philosophy and Allameh Tabataba'i's View on Innate Nature (Fitra)

One of the fundamental concepts of the Spinoza's unified philosophical system is the concept of the self-preservation. To explain the rational life and the howness of man's freedom he speaks of the self-preservation rule. The significance of this rule is so much that it forms the basis of the third to fifth sections of his book in ethics, and plays a central role in shaping the moral system and finally achieving human happiness, which are the main purposes of Spinoza in his philosophical efforts. Allameh Tabataba'i, on the other hand, speaks of the religious concept of "nature" and explains it according to its philosophical system. The theory of "nature" in terms of meaning and results has similarities and differences with the self-preservation rule of Spinoza. Due to the significant epistemological and ontological effects of the theory of nature in the works of Allama, this view is comparable to Spinoza's self-preservation rule. Using an analytical method this paper analyzes the views of these two scholars, and then it compares their similarities and differences to take a step toward the realization of a dialogue between these two philosophical traditions.