Bridging between the gist of the epistemology of the Baha’i Faith and “Minimalism”

Abstract

The concepts of truth/reality in philosophy are closely related to the question of viable ways to obtain the knowledge of such concepts, with any degree of certainty. In this brief discussion, there will be an attempt to contrast the two dominant schools of thought in the twentieth century: scientific positivism / absolute objectivism on one hand and post modernism / total subjectivism on the other hand. In addition, "minimalism," a newly developed epistemological system, and its compatibility with the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith will be discussed. Minimalism emphasizes on the validity of pure logic and axiomatic approach, without discrediting the possible existence of the trans-rational. In addition, a fresh look at the Bahá'í view of the "Arc of Ascent and Descent" will be presented in which minimalism may be applied as a tool in the ascent of humanity to an ever advancing quest in its spiritual path. Also presented in Persian.