Exploring the Approach of ‘Inter-cultural Dialogue’ in Allameh Tabataba'’'s Thought and Presenting its Educational Implications

This study aimed at exploring the approach of "inter-cultural dialogue" in Allameh Tabataba'’s thought, and offering its educational implications.

The method used in this study is descriptive-inferential.

After explaining the approach of inter-cultural dialogue, firstly the anthropological and epistemological foundations were mentioned as the theoretical supports of this approach, and then the educational principles and methods derived from these foundations were studied as educational implications of it. The anthropological foundations of the approach of the inter-cultural dialogue in Allameh Tabataba'i' works and views are as follows: Man is an employing and perfectionist creature; and under the epistemological basis of the approach, the contract-making of man is also mentioned. The educational principles and methods deduced from these foundations are all focused on the approach that we have named as "inter-cultural dialogue".

The results of the study indicate that in Islam and from the viewpoint of Islamic thinkers, including Allameh Tabataba'i, a look at others, at the numerous sub-cultures and diverse cultures in the world, is a look based on the humanity of men; therefore, for peaceful life, and peace-oriented and dialogue-based relations, we require the foundations, principles, and methods for education resulting from the thought of these thinkers; and, in the meanwhile, the education system as the institution in charge of education in the society needs to take advantage of this human approach for educational policies.