Avani: Without Wisdom, Iran Will Suffer and Westernization Will Take Its Place; A Researcher in the West Received 10 Million Euros for Explaining Ibn Sina’s Shifa.

According to Khabaronline News Agency, quoting Iran newspaper, Dr. Avani, in his message, congratulated all lovers of philosophy and Iranian and Islamic culture on this day and elaborated on the status of philosophy in UNESCO. He stated: “UNESCO attaches special importance to philosophy because philosophy holds a unique dignity in human culture that no other science possesses.” He considered rationality a part of human nature and added: “We call humans beings whose humanity is not complete without wisdom. Philosophy defines the questioning nature of humans.”

Referring to Iran’s brilliant history in hosting World Philosophy Day, he criticized the neglect of this distinguished position. He emphasized: “Iran hosted the largest World Philosophy Day for five consecutive years, with the presence of over 120 foreign guests and a large number of domestic thinkers, across 17 specialized sections, which was unprecedented and irreplaceable.” Avani, while emphasizing that “Iran is unique in philosophy not only in the Islamic world but in the entire world,” expressed regret over the lack of proper attention to this position within the country.

We Have Fallen Short in Introducing Islamic Philosophy

Stating that “nowhere in the world has there been a concern for teaching wisdom except Iran,” he declared: “The weakness of philosophy is the weakness of Iranian culture itself; because the spirit of Iranian culture is wisdom, and if it is removed, Westernization will take its place.” According to Avani, if this spirit is weakened, not only philosophy but Iran itself will be harmed.

In another part of his message, Avani discussed the inherent distinction of philosophy from other sciences, explaining: “Every science asks questions, but its questions are within the scope of its own subject. Philosophy addresses primary questions; questions that no other science is responsible for.” He listed questions about the nature of humanity, the purpose of existence, the truth of ethics, and the essence of being among these fundamental questions.

Comparing international and domestic efforts in introducing Islamic philosophy, this philosophy professor pointed to the existing gap: “In Europe, Kitab al-Shifa and the works of Ibn Sina have been critically edited multiple times, and a researcher received 10 million Euros for its commentary. Meanwhile, with such a vast heritage, we have not taken appropriate steps to introduce it.” Avani believes that with its living legacy of wisdom, Iran can not only play a global role, but neglecting this role will lead to the loss of its cultural identity.