Conversation
The Question of the Human Psyche in Iranian Civilization
This conversation explores the history and meaning of studying the human psyche within Iranian civilization. Reza Mohaghegh and Shervin Vakili discuss the relationship between modern psychology, pre-modern traditions, Iranian mysticism, and the rational understanding of human behavior.
About this video
In this video, Reza Mohaghegh and Shervin Vakili discuss the question of the human psyche in Iranian civilization. The central focus of the discussion is whether psychology should be considered solely a modern science, or whether any systematic and rational study of the psyche, behavior, emotions, and human disposition can also be placed within the broader lineage of psychology.
The conversation addresses the state of studying the human psyche in pre-modern Iran and asks whether a trajectory for understanding the human psyche can be found within Iran's intellectual, ethical, mystical, and medical traditions. Within this framework, Iranian mysticism is not merely a spiritual experience, but can also be one of the forms of reflection on the self, suffering, desire, self-knowledge, and human transformation.
The significance of this program lies in its examination of the history of Iranian thought from a less-seen angle: the relationship of Iranian civilization with the understanding of the human psyche. This conversation is suitable for those interested in psychology, philosophy, mysticism, the history of thought, and Iranian studies.
