Ma`rifat Falsafi

The role and impact of "i'tibariyyat" (mentally-constructed concepts) in human actions -both internal and external- are undeniable. However, a precise understanding of this subject requires a multi-step process, including philosophical and rational analysis of the nature of "i'tibariyyat" and "human action." From among a few philosophers who came to analyze these concepts and their interrelations is Allameh Tabataba'ii. This article aims to elucidate and examine Allameh’s perspective on "i'tibariyyat," "limbs of human works," and the relationship between the two using an analytical-critical approach. According to him, "i'tibariyyat" are the underlying thoughts behind works of organs, and plentiful meaning is embedded within these works. Consequently, "i'tibariyyat" play a significant role in attributing meaning, especially "post-social constructs," which have an even greater influence in this regard. Human action, therefore, is not silent or devoid of meaning. Instead, all the "constructed meanings" behind the act flow into and extend through the action itself. Such human constructed meanings may come from truths and sometimes assumed to be true and correct. That is why external actions of human body are classified into either true or false.