Description
Abdolkarim Soroush Biography (born Hossein Haj Faraj Dabbagh on December 16, 1945) is an Iranian philosopher and former professor of philosophy at the University of Tehran. He is widely recognized as a leading figure in Iran’s religious intellectual movement.
Soroush initially studied pharmacy in Iran before moving to the United Kingdom, where he earned a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from the University of London. He later pursued studies in the history and philosophy of science at Chelsea College.
After returning to Iran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Soroush became involved in the country’s cultural and intellectual development. He served as the director of the Islamic Culture Group at Tehran’s Teacher Training College and later as a researcher at the Institute for Cultural Research and Studies.
Soroush’s philosophical work focuses on the relationship between religion and reason, emphasizing the distinction between religious beliefs and the divine essence of religion. He advocates for a pluralistic interpretation of Islam and has been a vocal critic of the political role of the clergy in Iran.
His ideas have garnered international recognition, earning him accolades such as the 2004 Erasmus Prize
