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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON FOUR: THE WAY OF RESOLVING FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES Introduction When man enters the domain of resolving the fundamental issues of the worldview and the way of realisation of understanding the principles of a true religion, he will initially encounter the following question: How can these issues be resolved? And how can one discover the fundamentals of epistemology and the means to achieve it?

Intensive and professional research of this understanding in philosophy is known as ‘epistemology’, where the different understandings of man are discussed and their values acknowledged. To embark on a discussion of all the different types of understanding would sidetrack us away from the aim of this book.

We have thus summarised the required subjects, which are presented as follows: The different types of epistemology Man’s understanding can be divided into four parts: Experimental understanding: The understanding we perceive through our bodily senses is known as experimental understanding. Intellect however plays an active role in refining and analysing these sense perceptions. The experimental sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology are founded upon experimental understanding.

Intellectual understanding: Intellectual understanding is formed through the abstraction of concepts. The process is greatly assisted by the intellect; however syllogisms may sometimes be used as a premise. The domain of intellectual understanding is logic, philosophy and mathematics.

Devotional understanding or religious understanding: This understanding is based on information that has been previously gained through a reliable source and has been accepted because of coming from a trustworthy person or authority. This type of understanding can sometimes be stronger than those beliefs, which have evolved from sense perception and experimental knowledge. Mystical or intuitive understanding: This type of understanding is contrary to all of the above-mentioned understandings.

The essence of reality is known without any assistance from mental concepts, intercession or any procedure whatsoever. However as intuitive or mystical understanding is based on the interpretation of a witness, who is capable of making mistakes, there is thus the possibility of this understanding also being wrong. a.