The Study of the “Directionality of Knowledge” Theory

The production of religious science is a very important prerequisite for the realization of Islamic civilization and has always been a concern of Islamic thinkers. Various strategies have been proposed for the production of religious science. One of the centers that has a long history of special attention to this matter and has presented significant productions and theories about it is the “Islamic Sciences Academy of Qom.” Studying the identity of the religious science proposed by this center before explaining and examining its foundations, is erroneous and leads researchers to numerous fallacies. The Academy believes in six foundational principles for determining the “identity of religious science”: the study of the West, sociological study of the science production process, epistemology, philosophy, logic, methodology, and the study of religion. One of the Academy’s unique theories, considered a renaissance in epistemological discussions, is the “Directionality of Knowledge” theory. This theory is one of the Academy’s innovative and highly influential foundations in analyzing the identity of religious science. In this study, utilizing library research methods and rational examination of discussions, we have elucidated various aspects of the theory of the directionality of knowledge and critiqued it. Addressing this theory is of particular importance due to its fundamental nature and the possibility it creates for critiquing other views and scientific works of the Academy. Another unique feature of this study is the use of works available in the Academy’s repository, some of which have not been published.