A Sadrian Reconsideration of Psychological Self-Esteem

Author
mohammadjavad pashaei
Abstract
Many psychologists consider the need for self-esteem to be one of the most important human needs and consider personal self-evaluation to be the most decisive factor in psychological development. Despite the extensive research on self-esteem in psychology, its philosophical dimension has received far less attention. The present study aims to explicate the two main components of self-esteem—worthiness and competence—through the lens of Mulla Sadra’s philosophy, and to compare them with the prevailing concepts in psychology. The research adopts a comparative-analytical method, utilizing documentary analysis and a review of Sadrian and psychological sources. Competence is the individual’s ability to solve problems and manage life circumstances, while worthiness refers to one’s inner evaluation of personal significance and merit. The findings indicate that Mulla Sadra conceptualizes human worthiness on intrinsic and acquired levels. Moreover, the competence component in his thought is closely tied to practical reason (ʿaql ʿamali) and its four ascending stages, culminating in the station of fanāʾ (annihilation). At this highest level, the human soul attains balance among its faculties and achieves influence beyond the body, extending to mastery over the natural world.
Keywords
: self-esteem
worthiness
Competence
Mulla Sadra
Practical Reason
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