Metaphysical Foundation of Islamic Thought for Developing Human Sciences (Emphasizing Psychology)

Scientific theories have metaphysical foundations whether explicitly expressed or these foundations play important role in development of scientific theories in almost all aspects of development. Considering new metaphysical views as new foundations could lead to providing new scientific theories. In this article, Islamic views on human nature are suggested as new foundations for developing the humanities particularly psychology. In this suggestion, the human is considered as agent whose action is based on three bases, namely belief, desire, and will. According to this view of human, determined principles for explaining the action would be possible. These principles are suggested: Rationality, decision - making, challenging, self-deception, systematic distortion, and helplessness. In order to show that this view is needed in psychology, an analysis is accomplished the Skinner’s theory of action. Even though he insists that intentionality, as well as intention has been accounted in his theory, it is argued that his style of explanation is mechanistic and falls short of explaining intention and intentionality.