Ma`rifat Farhangi Ejtemaei

After reviewing the Islamic paradigm with regard to the nature of man, the nature of knowledge and relevent issues, and social reality and referring to the Qur'an, the narrations of the Prophet and the Infalliables and the views of Muslim thinkers, the author compares the Islamic paradigm with the posivistic, hermeneutic and critical paradigms. The Islamic paradigm has some areas, and the orientation and harmony of these areas are governed by religion. Senses, intellect and intuition are the tools of acquiring knowledge, and the knowledge gained through human senses help in the achievement of analytical knowledge. Man has inner potential and actual capacities and his own environment provides him with various environmental, cultural and social wealth and these factors contribute to defining the identity of a person. Our view regarding social reality in religious paradigm should observe the vital factors and social structures, the atmosphere they creat and their effect on the individual.