Mirza-Agha-Khan Kermani’s Methodological Approach in Economics

The introduction of new social sciences to Iran commenced prior to the Constitutional Revolution, a period known as the Persian Constitutional Revolution, offering valuable insights into the current state of these disciplines. During this era, the writings of travelogues by certain individuals sparked an interest in the Western world, leading to a subsequent effort by a group of intellectuals to transplant European concepts into Iran. Notably, Mirza Agha Khan emerged as a prominent figure in this second group of intellectuals, actively engaged in the transfer of Western ideas. Among Mirza Agha Khan's notable works, "Takvin va Tashri" stands out, particularly due to the methodology applied when addressing economic subjects. In the realm of social sciences, methodology plays a pivotal role in the exploration of the laws governing human interactions. This study focuses on Mirza Agha Khan's approach to economic relationships, revealing that his method mirrors the perspectives of economists from the 18th and 19th centuries.

 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:

This research method is rooted in the perspective of Ludwig von Mises ([1949] 1998). According to Mises, economic propositions are deduced through a process of deductive reasoning and fall into the category of a priori propositions. This concept centers on the extraction of knowledge from the actions that "we" as individuals undertake. In essence, every individual is considered an actor and, as such, can derive an a priori understanding of reality through introspection. This process is made feasible through the comprehension of what Mises termed "The axiom of action." This axiom posits that "human action is purposeful behavior." In other words, action represents the manifestation of a desire translated into practical behavior, guided by an intent or objective. Action denotes the meaningful response of an individual's "Ego" to stimuli and the environmental conditions surrounding them. It signifies a conscious adaptation to the state of the world, thereby determining the course of their life.

Adam Smith contends that the comprehension of previously unexplained phenomena can be a gratifying experience when employing certain fundamental principles. He suggests that, much like the Newtonian principles, if such principles and rules can be unearthed in the realm of human relationships, it becomes plausible to offer explanations. Mirza Agha Khan's initial statements in "Takvin va Tashri" resonate with the perspective of Adam Smith, which was a prevailing approach among economists up until the 19th century. In this context, Mirza Agha Khan's method of deciphering phenomena bears a striking resemblance to that generation of economists. This study adopts a similar method to scrutinize his viewpoints, drawing on the approach akin to that employed by Mirza Agha Khan.

In the initial sections of his work, Mirza Agha Khan engages in a discussion regarding the origins of political society. He presents a perspective that contrasts with Hobbes' view, asserting that the state of war, characterized by universal conflict, only arises after the establishment of a political society, effectively eliminating the secondary state of "fear" that results from individual dispersion. This perspective aligns closely with the ideas of John Locke, who posited that reason governs human beings from their very inception. Locke's concept of the law of nature, dictated by reason and binding all individuals equally, resonates with Mirza Agha Khan's views.As Mirza Agha Khan delves into the subject of trade following the formation of human society, he underscores its role in averting conflict. According to his perspective, the disappearance of equality among individuals within a society ushers in a state of war, as previously solitary and fearful individuals now seek to prevail over one another. Thus, trade serves as a crucial instrument in fostering peace and harmony and attracting general blessings. Mirza Agha Khan perceives trade as a significant factor in the formulation of both domestic and international laws. He emphasizes that the sustainability of trade between nations hinges on the stability of legal frameworks, both domestically and internationally. Notably, Mirza Agha Khan's analysis, in contrast to the economic thinking of the 18th and 19th centuries, shifts its focus from the individual to the collective as a whole. His perspective centers on the societal benefits of international trade, a deviation from the individualistic analysis prevalent in modern European thought, marking an important epistemological shift.

 CONCLUSIONS & SUGGESTIONS:

The Constitutional Movement in Iran marked a period during which Iranians were introduced to the concepts of the modern world. The movement prompted many individuals, both from the elite and intellectual circles, to seek knowledge about the ongoing transformations in Europe. Initially, this awareness was cultivated through travelogues, and later through the dedicated efforts of figures like Malkom Khan, Mirza Agha Khan Kermani, Mostashar al-Dowleh, and others.This research centers specifically on exploring the economic perspectives of Mirza Agha Khan Kermani. Mirza Agha Khan Kermani was chosen for this study because, among his contemporaries, he made a concerted effort to derive his economic views from fundamental principles and assumptions. This approach mirrors the thinking of European economists during the 18th and 19th centuries.A comparative analysis between his books "Takvin va Tashri" and "Sad Khutabe" reveals a noteworthy distinction in Mirza Agha Khan's standpoint. It is evident that while in the former book, the author sought to deduce conclusions from principles within the realm of social sciences, particularly economics, he adopted a different approach in the latter.This inconsistency highlights a significant aspect of Iranians' encounter with new European thought during the Constitutional era. Iranians had long been acquainted with Greek philosophy and Aristotle's ideas, upon which they had extensively reflected. One crucial aspect that seems to have been inadequately grasped during the encounter between modern Europe and Iran in this era is the transformation that occurred within modern European thought. In Mirza Agha Khan's perspective, the collective context takes precedence over the individual, aligning with Aristotle's ideas, whereas modern European thought prioritizes individualism. Consequently, the potential transition from personal interest to collective welfare, a vital aspect of Adam Smith's thinking, is absent in Mirza Agha Khan's viewpoint.