The Mystical Foundations of a Liberative Social Existence in the View of Imam Ali (AS): A Comparative Analysis with Kant's Inherent Dignity and Kohlberg's Moral Development Stages

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Author

mysticism And religions Department. Faculty of Islamic Sciences, Ahlul-Bayt International University, Tehran

10.30465/alavi.2026.52558.2753
Abstract
This study employs a descriptive-analytical and comparative approach to explore the mystical and social requirements of a noble life from the perspective of Imam Ali (AS), comparing them with the foundations of "inherent dignity" in Kant's moral philosophy and Lawrence Kohlberg's "stages of moral development." Analytical examination of Alavid narrations reveals that the framework of a noble life in Imam Ali's thought rests on two pillars: "inherent freedom" (a form of spiritual-mystical nobility) and "social dignity." Here, "inherent human dignity," which Kant considers the basis of moral duty and humanity as an end-in-itself, is rooted in the innate and divine aspect of human existence in the Alavid view. Conversely, the process of realizing this dignity in the social sphere is comparable to Kohlberg's moral development stages, which emphasize progression from conventional to autonomous morality and universal principles.

Findings indicate that achieving a dignified and free society in the Alavid tradition results from a dual interaction: on one hand, individuals must traverse stages of moral development (autonomy and adherence to supra-individual principles) to emphasize "inner freedom" and recognize their inherent worth. On the other hand, rulers must recognize this inherent dignity (aligning with the Kantian categorical imperative) and guarantee social freedoms to foster "acquired dignity." Thus, the ideal Alavid society is one where the moral self-awareness of individuals (corresponding to Kohlberg's highest stage) and the policies of rulers (based on respecting human dignity as an end-in-itself) interact dynamically to pave the way for a noble life.

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