Key Instances of Character-Oriented Intellectual Virtues in Mullā Ṣadrā’s Thought

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Intellectual virtues refer to virtues that deal with various aspects of human intellect and thought and are divided into faculty-oriented and character-oriented categories. The objective of this article is to explain the key instances of intellectual virtues from Mullā Ṣadrā's perspective. Considering the greater compatibility of Mullā Ṣadrā's views with character-oriented virtues, the article has extracted, categorized, and analyzed instances of this category of intellectual virtues.METHOD & FINDING: This study employs a descriptive and analytical methodology, utilizing a deductive approach. Our analysis reveals that the key instances of character-oriented intellectual virtues in Mullā Ṣadrā's philosophy include a profound eagerness for knowledge, the practice of intellectual contemplation—which encompasses avoiding superficiality, looking for valid reason, conducting adequate research, accuracy and sharpness, and examining the consequences of knowledge—alongside intellectual patience and intellectual independence—which encompasses the avoidance of imitation and prejudice. CONCLUSION: The research findings demonstrate a manifestation of intellectual virtues within the works of Mullā Ṣadrā, one of the preeminent Islamic philosophers. This phenomenon can be attributed to the significance he assigned to authentic human happiness and the role of intellectual virtues in attaining such happiness according to his perspective.