Interdisciplinary Studies in Ethics

Interdisciplinary Studies in Ethics

Moral Nature as a Basis for Global Ethics in Allameh Tabataba'i's Thought

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Zahra Zoofaghari 1
Shahb-al-Din Zoofaghari 2
Ali Arshad Riahi 3
1 PhD of philosophy, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran (Corresponding Author).
2 Assistant professor, Department of interpretation (of Quran), Faculty of Qur'an and Hadith Sciences, Isfahan University of Quran and Etrat Studies, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Professor of philosophy, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Theology and Ahl-Al-Bayt Studies, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
10.48308/jiethics.2026.244056.1062
Abstract
Introduction: Globalization has generated ethical challenges necessitating a global ethic. Western theorists have addressed this via two approaches: "common ground of religions" (Hans Küng and Leonard Swidler) and "interdisciplinary studies". Domestic research largely relies on Western frameworks. This descriptive-analytical study applies Allāmah Ṭabāṭabā'ī's conception of ethical Fiṭrah (innate moral nature) as an indigenous foundation for global ethics.
Methodology: The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to data processing and presentation. As this study is a library-based research, the instruments employed for data collection comprise note-taking, categorization, and content analysis.
Findings: Küng grounds global ethics in "primordial humanity", while Swidler bases it on the "Golden Rule". Ṭabāṭabā'ī posits that humans possess innate awareness of good and evil, underpinning principles like justice, truthfulness, and benevolence. Ethical Fiṭrah is universal, immutable, non-acquisitive, and infallible, serving as a unifying human factor.
Discussion: The common-ground approach's foundations ultimately root in shared ethical Fiṭrah. While Küng and Swidler leave these origins unexplained, Ṭabāṭabā'ī's theory fills this gap. A Fiṭrah-based global ethic, unlike religion-centered or contract-based approaches, addresses humanity's inner voice, avoiding ideological imposition, and holds significant potential for global unity and sustainable ethical principles.
Keywords
Global Ethics
Allāmah Ṭabāṭabā'ī
Ethical Fiṭrah (Innate Moral Nature)
Primordial Humanity
Golden Rule
The Holy Qur'an.
The Holy Bible.
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Interdisciplinary Studies in Ethics
Volume 2, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
September 2026
Pages 215-236

  • Receive Date 24 April 2026
  • Revise Date 26 July 2026
  • Accept Date 03 August 2026
  • First Publish Date 03 August 2026
  • Publish Date 21 March 2026