International Journal of Imam Reza (as) and modern sciences

International Journal of Imam Reza (as) and modern sciences

An Analysis of Intellectual Virtues and Vices in the Interlocutors of the Debates of Imam Reza (A.S.)

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Habib Karkon Beiragh
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/ijs.2025.515557.1373
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the intellectual virtues and vices exhibited by the interlocutors in the debates of Imam Reza (A.S.) based on the approach of virtue epistemology. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon library-based data, this study analyzes the historical accounts of Imam Reza's (A.S.) debates with the leaders of various religions and sects (including the Christian Catholicos (Jāthalīq), the Jewish Exilarch (Raʾs al-Jālūt), ʿImrān al-Ṣābiʾī, and Sulaymān al-Marwazī). The findings indicate that, with the exception of ʿImrān al-Ṣābiʾī, the other interlocutors were unable to attain the truth due to the predominance of intellectual vices such as dogmatism, intellectual arrogance, dismissiveness, intellectual dependence, and conformity, and only exhibited an inevitable surrender before decisive proof. In contrast, supported by virtues such as curiosity, open-mindedness, intellectual humility, and intellectual courage, ʿImrān al-Ṣābiʾī found his way to the truth. The conclusion is that a fruitful debate depends on both parties being adorned with intellectual virtues (particularly truth-seeking and fairness) and avoiding the vices that obstruct the perception of truth. Accordingly, the promotion of the principles of ethical dialogue based on the Razavi Sīrah and the cultivation of intellectual virtues within the country's educational system are essential.
Keywords
Imam Reza (A.S.)
Virtue Epistemology
Intellectual Virtues
Intellectual Vices
Debate
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 07 April 2025
  • Revise Date 10 September 2025
  • Accept Date 22 November 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 May 2026
  • Publish Date 22 May 2026