In the light of the efforts and support of the Sadra
Islamic philosophy Institute, the
Philosophical-Professional Assembly of the House of
Wisdom and Philosophy is having its 4th year
of life among the people of philosophy. Accordingly, the
Dialog 20 program of Channel 4 of the National Radio and
Television Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran
made an interview with the Secretary of the House of
Wisdom and Philosophy, Dr. Hamid Reza Ayatullahi, on 2
November 2009, as follows:
Interviewer: The foundation of the House of
Wisdom is an excuse for us to host Dr. Hamid Reza
Ayatullahi tonight. We would like to ask you, as the
Secretary of the House of Wisdom, why did you decide to
found such a Complex?
Dr. Ayatullahi: One of the relative advantages of
our present society is having a very important
philosophical background. Western philosophy began with
Plato and Aristotle; however, it did not enter the West
countries directly through Westerners. Rather, it first
entered Iranian Islamic philosophy and then reached
Western countries. Almost all Westerners confirm this
issue. One of our other advantages over the countries in
our region and Islamic societies is having an invaluable
treasure of professors and masters who are the best in
human sciences. We must try to protect, preserve,
introduce, and use these precious assets in order to
continue holding our position. Most of the viewers know
that the professors who come to Channel 4 are among the
known figures in Islamic countries whose books have been
translated into Arabic and used as textbooks. Concerning
the Iranian taste and enthusiasm in terms of philosophy,
Professor Misbahi from Morocco states that philosophy
exists in Iranians’ flesh and blood. Oscar Brenifier
(founder of the new project for teaching philosophy to
children) says about Iranians, “I see a kind of
eagerness for philosophy in each Iranian." Now, we must
value and support such talents.
Unfortunately, not much material and mental support has
been provided in this regard, and no coherence has been
formed among the philosophical thoughts of our
philosophers. We hope that by establishing the House of
Wisdom and Philosophy, we can have a chance for showing
our philosophical resources and, at the same time, to
take a step towards establishing some relationships with
our philosophy masters and protect them as our precious
philosophical legacy.
Interviewer: The Sadra Islamic Philosophy
Institute has chosen the word “House” as a part of the
title of this Complex. Such places usually follow
professional purposes. Now, with the philosophical
approach that it follows, and given the philosophical
background that distinguishes our country from our
neighbors and the other countries of the world, does the
House of wisdom intend to establish any theorizing
chairs in the field of philosophy, which is among the
desires of the supreme Leader of the country, who has
frequently pointed out that we must have a center for
familiarizing later generations and the world with
Iranian and Islamic scientists and scholars and their
achievements, or does it only deal with professional
issues?
Dr. Ayatullahi: The important point is that,
although the House of Wisdom has been founded by the
Sadra Islamic Philosophy Institute and its President, it
is a completely independent organization. This is a
scientific, professional, and news organization that
includes some others centers. Many of our social
problems are due to lack of a profound philosophical
insight. It is also our duty to show the efficiency of
philosophical thought to others because many of our
great statesmen and figures were or are philosophers,
such as Dr. Larijani, Dr. Haddad Adel, the new Head of
the Judicial Power, the Supreme Leader of the Country,
and Imam Khomeini.
Interviewer: Could you give us some information
about the forthcoming activities and achievements of the
House?
Dr. Ayatullahi: One of our programs is to have
some instructional classes for professors which ordinary
people can attend, too. Some philosophy circles will
also be formed where different problems and issues can
be discussed and criticized. In this way, we will be
able to create an organization based on various
thoughts. In the past, we had Naderi Coffee House in
Iran in the field of literature, which was extremely
influential. The House of Wisdom will also have its own
benefits. We will also hold some meetings with the
presence of both pioneer and young philosophers.
Interviewer: Do you have a site or journal for
giving the related news to others?
Dr. Ayatullahi: yes. We will try to inform
interested people about all the activities of philosophy
professors in and out of the country, the different
problems and issues that are related to those
activities, as well as the books that they publish.
Interviewer: We hope that with the spread of
philosophy in society, everyone enjoys its blessings.
Dr. Ayatullahi: May God protect you.
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