The Ideal Angle of View for a Jurist Producing Civilizational Jurisprudence Based on the Hermeneutic Theory of "Viewpoint"

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Islamic Culture and Thought

2 Qom seminary teacher

10.22081/jf.2025.70317.2860

Abstract

The theory of “viewpoint” or “angle of view,” which has been discussed within methodological hermeneutics, refers to the impact of the interpreter’s perspective on the understanding of a text's meaning. This theory has profound implications for jurisprudence because a jurist’s perspective plays a fundamental role in how they interpret textual sources. This factor can explain why jurists may arrive at differing interpretations of the same text. Accordingly, the central questions of this article are: First, how does one's viewpoint influence their understanding and interpretations? And second, how is the ideal angle of view of a jurist, aimed at producing civilizational jurisprudence, formed? This topic is important because Shiite jurisprudence plays a special role in the process of building a new Islamic civilization, and jurists must meet the needs of this process through their jurisprudential reasoning. Therefore, their perspective in engaging with texts must align with these needs. Since a person’s viewpoint results from their intellectual framework and, in turn, is shaped by their overarching approach to issues, this article argues that the ideal perspective for a civilizational jurist must be based on theological foundations that both legitimize the governance of a jurist during the occultation and grant the necessary authority for ruling. It must also encompass the general objectives of the Sharia, which are derived from texts with a social nature and serve as the source of jurisprudential dynamism and flexibility. Furthermore, it should include sufficient awareness of the requirements of the time and social systems to properly discern the influence of time and place on legal subjects. In addition, the macro approach of a civilizational jurist in addressing issues must be both social and governmental and pursued systematically, as a purely individual approach cannot lead to a proper understanding of civilizational subjects and rulings.

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 13 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 18 May 2025

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