Analiza pozicije racia kroz komparaciju sa pozicijom ljubavi i vjerovanja u djelima Attara Nišaburija
ANALYSIS OF THE POSITION OF RATIO THROUGH ITS COMPARISON WITH THE POSITION OF LOVE AND FAITH IN ATTUR OF NISHAPUR’S WORKS

Summary/Abstract: Confrontation of ratio on one side and love and faith on the other in the works of Attar of Nishapur goes back to the fundamental debate on the confrontation of ratio and soul or gnosis, philosophy and theology whose numerous reflections are discernible in different intellectual and cultural spheres of Iran, especially in the Persian poetry and prose. This is reflected to an extent that it could be stated that the Persian literature as influenced by differences in “cognitive” attitudes of philosophers, theologians and Gnostics has always been the scene of a never-ending conflict between ratio and heart. The reasons for this should be sought in the fact that in Iran, as well as in other intellectual - cultural contexts, on one side we have philosophers, logicians and theologians who believed that “cognition” can be reached only by gaining knowledge while ensuring certain conditions. They strongly supported the “authenticity of ratio” considering it the strongest and most competent asset to reach cognition. On the other side there were the Gnostics and Sufis who believed in the impossibility of “cognition” gained through acquired knowledge, ratio and philosophy and through everything related to them. According to them, “cognition” is the result of direct conviction and of knowledge made present. Based on this worldview, “cognition” is the result of “revelation” and “research” more than it is a product of “acquisition” and “studying”. Therefore, it is possible to cognize only with the heart. When the mirror of the heart becomes polished, it reflects genuine love. The latter group criticized and devaluated ratio compared to love and faith and had always been in conflict with the philosophers and theologians. In their opinion, as well as in Attar’s, ratio is "obstinate”, “weak”, “flawed”, “carefree”, “mercenary”, “the curtain of the soul”, a “driveller” and “hazy”. Nevertheless, compared to senses, speculations and ignorance, ratio has been acknowledged with adequacy and completeness. With this work, we will try to present a comprehensive picture and analysis of the position of ratio comparing it with the position of love and faith through the prism of poetic works of Attar of Nishapur.

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