An Interpretation of the Theory of Fitra as the Theoretical Basis of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Context of Practical Wisdom

The Islamic Revolution began its movement with the people and promised them the realization of an Islamic Republic. Naturally, achieving this ideal and the slogan of the Islamic Revolution is not possible except through a people-centered understanding. In fact, one cannot construct people-centered governance through an understanding based on abstraction and theoretical intellect, which carries an epistemic elitism. The central question of this research is: through what kind of understanding and rationality directed toward this goal can one arrive at a people-centered conception of Islamic governance? To answer this, we have utilized a Heideggerian theoretical framework based on three types of rationality: theoretical rationality, phronetic rationality, and technological rationality. The conclusion is that a people-centered understanding is rooted in phronetic rationality, or, loosely speaking, practical wisdom (hikmat-e amali). It is within practical wisdom that we encounter the concept of the ‘other,’ intersubjectivity, or the concept of the people. In essence, in practical wisdom, the people are the axis and foundation of wisdom, and what sustains this concept is a rationality intertwined with emotion and sentiment. The analytical method employed in this research is based on Heideggerian and Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics, as well as the theory of appropriation