An examination of human psychological evolution from the viewpoint of the Divine knowledge, in particular the stance of Nahj al-Balagha

Psychological evolution is one of the main topics of psychology. Today, a branch of empirical psychology called the genetic psychology addresses the psychological evolution subject. This issue has been greatly emphasized in the divine teachings, especially in Nahj al-Balaghah, too. Nonetheless, contrary to the empirical sciences, the divine knowledge does not entail a materialist view toward human psyche and so, its evolutionary system is different from the evolutionary systems that rely on experimental sciences. The study at hand has addressed the nature of human psyche and psychological evolution from the viewpoint of the divine knowledge, especially that of Nahj al-Balaghah, through a descriptive-analytical approach. In the outlook of this knowledge, the nature of human psyche is composed of two spheres: substantial and spiritual. Accordingly, the psychological evolution is discussed within these two spheres. Evolution in the substantial sphere is conceivable in three modes: evolution in the principle of the substantial sphere, evolution in its essential traits, and evolution in its instinctive features. According to the divine knowledge, especially Nahj al-Balaghah, psychological evolution is unlikely in the first and second modes, but is possible in some types of the third one. In addition, evolution in the spiritual sphere is possible and can be divided into four types: concrete, complementary, separation-oriented, and contradictory.