Anthropological Properties of Allamah Tabatabaei’s Theory of Conventions in the Light of Modern Philosophical Anthropology

Allamah Tabatabaei’s theory of conventional perceptions is essentially enlisted into the field of practical wisdom but this theory enjoys serious and important anthropological properties which are frequently used. Also, compared with classic anthropology in the tradition of Islamic philosophy, these properties have innovative implications for modern practical anthropology. Anthropological outcome of the theory of convention is that Man constructs conventions. Convention is not only a type of mental activity but is a type of practical perception entailed by human activity and practice. Thus, Man, in different layer of the theory is discussed from the viewpoint of action and practice. Such a practical anthropology derived from the theory of convention is comparable to modern theories of anthropology. Amongst the most radical differences between this type of modern anthropology and classical anthropology is that it is a-posteriori, experimental and practical. Priority of nature over the spiritual dimension of Man and Man’s exploitation are the most critical components of practicality. Also, in the light of conventions, Man is defined as being social, subjective and cultural, the qualities that are also prominent in modern philosophical anthropology.