Saintly life, fact, or fable: analysis and critique of Susan Wolf's approach

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Ahl al-Bayt Studies, University of Isfahan, Iran

10.22108/mph.2024.139277.1515

Abstract

Saints and heroes are highly respected as moral ideals because they go beyond the minimum standards of morality and dedicate themselves to serving others. However, it is difficult to justify their unusual and exhausting lifestyle, especially for modern individuals. Susan Wolf is one of the philosophers who recognizes this issue and proposes more appealing ideals that promote happiness, goodness, and meaningfulness in life. She strongly opposes the saintly life, which she believes is unpleasant, one-dimensional, and boring. In this article, we explain Wolf's viewpoint and the arguments of her opponents in a descriptive and analytical way. We will also critique the claims raised while evaluating the moral saint as an admirable ideal for today's life. The conclusion is that the lifestyle of saints may be incomprehensible to modern individuals due to its lack of harmony with the masses, reliance on divine virtues, and the extreme altruism and supererogatory acts. However, they reveal new possibilities and capacities for human life as pioneers of morality. They can inspire us to self-actualization, develop our capabilities, and cultivate more virtues.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 October 2024
  • Receive Date: 01 October 2023
  • Revise Date: 27 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 08 October 2024