The Methodology of Defining Conventional Concepts Based on Allamah Tabatabai’s Theory of Conventional Perceptions

Based on Tabatabai’s theory and the method of logical analysis, the present research has dealt with the methodology of defining conventional concepts and presented fifteen methodological rules. The method of defining these concepts is the method of conceptual analysis, and some of the presented rules are dedicated to the basics of definition, some to its types, and some to methods for discovering the conceptual components of conventional concepts. According to these methods, it is possible to discover the components of these concepts and use these components in the definition using the method of conceptual analysis. Of course, it should be noted that the most important component of a conventional concept is its purpose, which must be used in any definition. The use of other components in the definition may vary according to each concept.
 
 
 
Introduction
The method used in logic to define concepts is in some cases only for real concepts. Also, the method of discovering the components of a concept is not stated in logic. Therefore, it is not possible to define conventional concepts in logic by the conceptual analysis method. Therefore, to define conventional concepts and discover their components, the methodology of defining conventional concepts is necessary. This methodology is used according to the requisites of Allamah Tabatabai’s Theory of Conventional Perceptions. Regarding the definition of conventional concepts, there are fifteen methodological rules about the definition of these concepts. The findings of this research are fifteen methodological rules for defining conventional concepts.
Methodological rules for defining conventional concepts:
The first rule: According to the Theory of Conventional Perceptions, there are three criteria for the being conventional of a concept: 1) It is only possible to assume conventional obligation in conventional concepts, 2) It is not possible to imagine the conventional concept without a similar and participant concept, and 3) conventional and real concepts are not predicated on each other except when both are considered the same: either conventional or real.
The second rule: conventional concepts are defined by the method of conceptual analysis.
The third rule: The definition of conventional concepts is divided into normative and non-normative based on three criteria: 1) being based or not based on the value system of society, 2) belonging to the current and desired status, and 3) the intention to recommend or describe.
The fourth rule: In the religious approach to science, normative definitions in the sense of recommendation and purposes of conventional concepts must be compatible with the Islamic religion.
The fifth rule: A conventional concept that has no effect or its effect is not in line with the purpose of being conventional is canceled. A conventional concept that has an effect and its effect is in line with its purpose is acceptable. Conventional concepts are divided into beneficial and non-beneficial. A conventional concept whose purpose is in line with human perfection is beneficial, and a conventional concept that is not is non-beneficial. The normative definition of a concept in the sense of recommendation must be acceptable. In addition to the recommended definition, for the descriptive definition of a conventional concept, it is also possible to evaluate the relationship between the effect, purpose, and end of that concept and provide a more precise definition.
The sixth rule: To define conventional concepts, one must define the concept itself, not its effect, which is a real thing.
The seventh rule: By knowing the definition or attributes of the real thing on which conventional concepts are based and the quality of the estimative faculty verb in that definition or attributes, one can know conventional concepts.
The eighth Rule: By describing the emotional factors that are the origin of the conventional concepts, it will be easier for people who lack that concept even in their own culture to recognize those concepts.
The ninth rule: Knowing each conventional concept depends on knowing its specific purpose. It is necessary to use purpose in defining all conventional concepts.
The tenth rule: Recognizing the real concept obtained in a variable conventional concept, and the quality of the estimative faculty verb in that real concept, depends on knowing the quality of the change of conventional concepts.
The eleventh rule: To recognize a concept that has a similar or opposite, one can use the characteristics of its similar or opposite to recognize that concept.
The twelfth rule: If a conventional concept is one of the correlative concepts, it is necessary to include both of them in their definition.
The thirteenth rule: In defining conventional concepts that are considered as post-social conventional concepts, it is necessary to pay attention to the society in which that concept was created and the characteristics of that society, and based on the characteristics of that society, recognize the factors affecting the being conventional of that concept.
The fourteenth rule: Based on the real effects that are related to conventional concepts, it is possible to provide a criterion for the distinction of conventional concepts.
The fifteenth rule: In the definition of conventional concepts, it is necessary to pay attention to the conditions stated in the logic for the definition.
Conclusion
conventional concepts are defined by conceptual analysis. To discover the components of conventional concepts, fifteen methodological rules can be used. Of course, it is necessary to use some of these rules, such as paying attention to the purpose and observing logical conditions in defining any concept. Conceptual analysis also applies to normative definitions. It should be noted that in the normative definitions that are made with the intention of recommending, the conceptual components are not discovered but are established.