The Relationship between "Virtualism" and "Teleology" in Imam Khomeini's Ethical Thought

The main objective of the present article is to study the relations between the two pillars of "virtue" and "teleology" in the normative ethics of Imam Khomeini and the ultimate criterion of moral value of deeds. Attempts have been made through a descriptive-analytical method and based on philosophical-mystical anthropology of Imam Khomeini to offer an eclectic theory of these two pillars called the "virtue-based teleology" in the philosophy of ethics. In fact, the moral value of the deeds in Imam Khomeini’s view is determined on the basis both the subject, his motives, intentions and inner virtues as a condition for the acceptance of his deeds and the criterion of his perfection as well as of the consequences of deeds in the realization of human ultimate goal. Although the Imam emphasizes virtues in his moral ideas, he does not attach essential value and intrinsic desirability to them and calls them modest perfections whose value lies in the role they play in achieving intrinsic perfection and desirability, i.e. happiness and perfection in the Hereafter or proximity to God. Meanwhile regarding ethical virtualism of the Imam, mention has been made of the two philosophical and mystical-religious origins of the Imam's moral thought and their differences as well as the pillars of virtualism.