What Criticism is and the Rules Governing It in Allameh Tabatabai's Scientific Style

Criticizing, judging and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of works show the shortcomings, open up new vista of knowledge and contribute to extending it. In every era, there are people who offer low quality, weak and unreliable works. Hence, it is necessary for critics to embark on criticizing them by using specific morals and rules, in order to secure scientific improvement in society. As a leading expert, researcher and scholar, Allameh Tabatabai was able to distinguish between what is sound and unsound. Interpreting the meaning of criticism and mentioning the basic moral rules of criticism, the present paper seeks to study some instances of observing the ethics of criticism in the scientific style of Allameh Tabatabai. A study of Allameh's scientific style by referring to the written works and library sources suggests that he applies the basic rules of criticism such as having for divine beliefs and spirituality, motivation, freedom of thought and refraining from fanaticism, accepting criticisms, scientific honesty, perseverance and strenuous work, having expertise in criticism, presenting solid evidence, scientific courage, treating others with respect and avoiding damaging criticism.