2
Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Islamic Theology and Mysticism, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran
3
PhD in Philosophy and Theology, Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22096/ek.2026.2083397.1613
Abstract
This research conducts a comparative analysis of the concept of emotional self-awareness in Daniel Goleman's theory and self-knowledge (ma'rifat al-nafs) in Mulla Sadra's Transcendent Philosophy. The findings indicate that while both perspectives emphasize the importance of self-knowledge, they differ fundamentally in depth, scope, foundations, and ultimate ends. Emotional self-awareness is defined as a psychological skill focusing on recognizing and managing emotions to improve individual and social functioning. In contrast, self-knowledge in Mulla Sadra's view is an existential journey and a dynamic process achieved through presential knowledge of one's essence, guiding the soul along substantial motion towards true perfection and immateriality. This study demonstrates that Goleman's emotional self-awareness can be considered a preliminary step and a part of the lower levels of self-knowledge within Sadra's intellectual framework. Thus, while Goleman emphasizes the practical management of emotions and worldly adaptation, Sadra interprets self-knowledge within a metaphysical framework aimed at divine proximity. A conscious integration of these two perspectives can enrich the path of self-knowledge in both psychological and spiritual dimensions. This study employs an analytical-comparative method, relying on library sources.
Haghi,F , Imanpoor,M and Davari Chahardeh,V . (2026). Emotional Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge: A Comparative Study of the Views of Goleman and Mulla Sadra. (e737624). Existence and Knowledge, (), e737624 doi: 10.22096/ek.2026.2083397.1613
MLA
Haghi,F , , Imanpoor,M , and Davari Chahardeh,V . "Emotional Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge: A Comparative Study of the Views of Goleman and Mulla Sadra" .e737624 , Existence and Knowledge, , , 2026, e737624. doi: 10.22096/ek.2026.2083397.1613
HARVARD
Haghi F, Imanpoor M, Davari Chahardeh V. (2026). 'Emotional Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge: A Comparative Study of the Views of Goleman and Mulla Sadra', Existence and Knowledge, (), e737624. doi: 10.22096/ek.2026.2083397.1613
CHICAGO
F Haghi, M Imanpoor and V Davari Chahardeh, "Emotional Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge: A Comparative Study of the Views of Goleman and Mulla Sadra," Existence and Knowledge, (2026): e737624, doi: 10.22096/ek.2026.2083397.1613
VANCOUVER
Haghi F, Imanpoor M, Davari Chahardeh V. Emotional Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge: A Comparative Study of the Views of Goleman and Mulla Sadra. Existence and Knowledge. 2026;():e737624 (In Persian). doi: 10.22096/ek.2026.2083397.1613