An Inquiry into Arbitrary Perceptions in Theology

Real perceptions are the mental reflections of realities on the ground whereas arbitary perceptions are assumptions which mind makes in order to meet its vital needs. They are based on contract, supposition and consideration. There are two opinions concerning the logical inferential relation between real and arbitrary perceptions. According to one opinion that was originally presented by Muhaqqiq Isfahani and followed by Allama Tabatabei, Martyr Mutahhari and Imam Khomeini, there is no logical relation between the two. According to the other, however, there is a logical inferential relation between real perceptions and arbitrary perceptions in case the latter is supported by the realities on the ground. Based on the above-mentioned epistemological principle, the followers of the first opinion do not use real or factual perceptions in theological issues and if a thing as such happens they take it as confusion between reality and arbitrariness. However based on the correct opinion held by most theologians and philosophers, it is correct to use real and factual perceptions in theological issues. Theologians have mostly dealt with factual perceptions as an epistemic presupposition. They have used such perceptions both in theological definitions as well as in theological argumentations. Based on this opinion, theological issues form part of factual perceptions. In case they do not, they are not mere suppositions, but are instead rooted in facts.