Ma`rifat Falsafi

Examining the meanings of "realism" and "relativism" shows that not every realism is positive, nor is every relativism negative. Realism has two existential and epistemological meanings, just as relativism can be raised in the ontological and epistemological discussions. On the other hand, I'tibari (mentally-posited concepts) has at least four meanings: I'tibari versus real, I'tibari against genuine, I'tibari as dependent entity and I'tibari as practical consideration. Although, Allameh Tabatabaii's theory of "i'tibariyat" is reckoned as one case meaning of relativism, it is irrelevant to relative ethics, because it concerns ontology and causal relation. Even if we propose it in the field of epistemology, because "i'tibariyat" is tied up with a reality called "perfection" and "happiness" of man or "proximity to God", all voluntary acts of man, provided in accordance with real perfection, will be valuable. Such knowledge also exists in the innate nature of all human beings as an original, general and stable knowledge; Allameh Tabatabaii will thus be among the realists and supporters of the absolute ethics theory. By a close look into Allameh's theory of "i'tibariyat" from one side, and into the meanings of relativism and realism from another side, one may say that his theory of "i'tibariyat" is not purely mentally posited, rather it has a root in reality somehow.