Transnationalism in Iranian Political Thought
The Life and Times of Ahmad Fardid

A study of the life and thought of the Iranian philosopher Ahmad Fardid and the development of political philosophy in post-revolutionary Iran.

Ali Mirsepassi (Author)

9781316636473, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 February 2017

408 pages
22.8 x 15 x 1.9 cm, 0.65 kg

'… Mirsepassi's Transnationalism in Iranian Political Thought is an informative and insightful reading for anyone who wants to understand the complex mindset of Fardid and the network of ideas that orchestrated the course of the twentieth-century intellectual history of Iran.' Mustafa Aslan, Kult Online

During the Iranian Revolution of 1978/9, the influence of public intellectuals was widespread. Many espoused a vision of Iran freed from the influences of 'Westtoxification', inspired by Heideggerian concepts of anti-Western nativism. By following the intellectual journey of the Iranian philosopher Ahmad Fardid, Ali Mirsepassi offers in this book an account of the rise of political Islam in modern Iran. Through his controversial persona and numerous public and private appearances before, during and particularly after the Revolution, Fardid popularised an Islamist vision militantly hostile to the modern world that remains a fundamental part of the political philosophy of the Islamic Republic to this day. By also bringing elements of Fardid's post-revolutionary thought, as well as a critical analysis of Foucault's writings on 'the politics of spirituality', Mirsepassi offers an essential read for all those studying the evolution of political thought and philosophy in modern Iran and beyond.

Part I. Introduction: Introduction. Islam after fall: why Fardid matters
1. The historical context: the intellectual's modern calling
2. 'Home' and the 'world': 'the swallows return to their nest'
Part II. The World of Young Fardid: 3. Young Fardid (1935–46)
4. Henry Corbin's 'imaginative spirituality' and Iranian 'Gharbzadegi' (Westoxication)
Part III. Orientatlism and 'Spiritual Islam': Fardid, Corbin, Foucault: 5. Gharbzadegi (Westoxication)
6. The politics of spirituality: Foucault, the Iranian Revolution
Part IV. Ahmad Fardid's Philosophy after the Revolution, 1978–81: 7. The divine encounter and apocalyptic revelations
8. A reckless mind: policies of Gharbzadegi
Part V. Fardid Remembered: 9. Interviews with Fardid's friends and critics
Conclusion. Fardid after Fardid.

Subject Areas: Social & political philosophy [HPS], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]