Human Nature, Ethics, and Moral Education: A Philosophical Reading of Murtadha Muthahhari’s Thought

Abstrak

This study examines the paradigm of moral education in the thought of Murtadha Muthahhari by situating his ethical vision within broader debates on human nature, moral formation, and educational purpose. Responding to contemporary conditions marked by ethical fragmentation and the instrumentalization of education, the article explores how Muthahhari conceptualizes morality as an intrinsic dimension of human existence rather than a socially constructed or externally imposed norm. Through qualitative library research and conceptual analysis, the study investigates the philosophical foundations of Muthahhari’s educational thought, particularly his integration of ontology, ethics, and spirituality. The analysis highlights his understanding of the human being as a morally responsible agent endowed with reason, freedom, and an innate orientation toward transcendence. By examining key themes such as fitrah, moral agency, rationality, and ethical responsibility, the article demonstrates how Muthahhari offers a coherent framework for moral education that resists both moral relativism and rigid dogmatism. The findings suggest that his perspective provides a meaningful alternative to contemporary educational paradigms that prioritize technical competence over moral formation, proposing instead an educational vision oriented toward ethical consciousness, human dignity, and social responsibility.