An expansion on the common frameworks of understanding layered politics based on Sadrai rationality(case study: traffic in Bangkok)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 PhD of futures studies, ‪Assistant Professor at Faculty of Management , Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan‬, Iran

2 M.Sc. Student, of Petroleum Engineering, School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

3 PhD of futures studies, Futures Thinking, National Research Institute for Science Policy of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22103/jogapp.2026.26442.1008

Abstract

This research explores the "soft capacities" of Islam for policy understanding through an institutionalist approach rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and ethics. Drawing on the ontological belief in the "unseen world" (Alam al-Ghayb), the study proposes an extension to Sohail Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and Jin Zhouying’s concept of "soft technology." Sadra’s rationality, particularly as developed by contemporary Neo-Sadrian thinkers, provides the necessary epistemological foundation for this expanded framework.

The methodology of this study is comparative, analytical, and intuitionist. The paper explains how Islam not only shapes the worldviews and metaphors of Muslims but also provides an institutional bedrock for social synergy and progress through its practical (Fiqh) and ethical rulings. By acknowledging the profound connection between human actions and external world events, the research introduces a fifth layer—the "Sacred Layer"—to the CLA model. Furthermore, as this dimension transcends the conventional dichotomy of soft and hard technologies, the term "Sacred Technology" is coined to integrate Quranic concepts into the established framework of the philosophy of technology.

Finally, the proposed framework is applied to the classic problem of Bangkok’s traffic, a case study previously analyzed by UNESCO and the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF). The application demonstrates the framework's merit in achieving a multi-layered understanding of reality and a more holistic approach to policy issues.

Highlights

Introduction

The method of framing and shaping a problem alters the solution and the policy of the actors responsible for creating transformation and transition. Since every policy-making process is guided by a specific epistemic style, the final prescriptions of any method are not immune to the influence of that method’s requirements. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), despite its admirable success in providing a rich description of reality, relies primarily on secular and post-structuralist ontological presuppositions. In this standard model, the “Myth/Metaphor” layer is considered the deepest level of analysis, lacking a pathway to trans-material ontological truths. This research aims to reconstruct the foundations of this model by basing it on Transcendent Theosophy (Hikmat al-Muta’aliyah) and Islamic epistemology—which validates sense, reason, and revelation simultaneously—and to add the neglected “Sacred” layer to it.

Theoretical Foundations and Methodology

The approach of this paper is comparative, analytical, and improvisational. The theoretical framework of the research is established on two fundamental axes:

Sadrian Rationality: Relying on the perspective of contemporary Neo-Sadrians, in which the universe is not limited to matter and mind; rather, the “Unseen World” (Alam al-Ghayb) acts as an effective reality having a direct impact on events in the “Manifest World” (Alam al-Shahadah). In this view, all beings in the material world have roots in the interior of this world (the Imaginal and Intellectual worlds).

Soft and Sacred Technology: Drawing on the concept of Soft Technology from Jin Zhouying, it is demonstrated that Islam both shapes worldviews and metaphors and, by relying on practical and ethical rulings, provides an institutional foundation compatible with progress. The innovation of this research lies in coining the term “Sacred Technology” to place Quranic concepts within a framework accepted by philosophers of technology.

Findings and Innovations (The Fifth Layer and Sacred Technology)

The main innovation of this research involves extending the model through two key components:

The Fifth Layer (The Sacred Layer): Based on Sadra’s doctrine of the Primacy of Existence (Esalat-e Vojood), a new layer was added to the model structure that oversees the ontological (Takwini) laws of the universe. This layer emphasizes the complete connection of human actions with other components of the universe; such that the righteousness of human intention and action causes the components of the universe to harmonize with him, leading to the descent of blessings (Barakat).

Sacred Technology: Servitude and devotion to the Truth (God), due to possessing an enabling knowledge system and supernatural effects (such as the prolongation of life or the expansion of sustenance), possess the aptitude to be termed “technology.” The output of this technology is directly the result of human effort in obeying Divine commands.

Case Study: A Re-reading of Bangkok Traffic

To validate the extended model, the classic problem of Bangkok city traffic was re-examined. While the standard four-layer model reaches the change of identity metaphors (such as decentralization) at its deepest level, the new framework reveals that at the fifth layer (The Sacred), phenomena such as traffic and pollution can be influenced by Divine Traditions (Sunan) and be the coercive/inevitable result of human actions (such as Divine wrath resulting from persistence in deviation). The proposed solution at this level involves attention to Divine Traditions and doctrinal, practical, and ethical rulings alongside the other layers.

Conclusion

If we assume conventional policy-making knowledge within the framework of Peripatetic philosophy (Masha’) and the Sacred layer within the framework of Illuminationist philosophy (Ishraq), Sadrian Transcendent Theosophy, as the synthesis of these two, provides the necessary epistemic foundation. The prescriptive message of this model for the Muslim policy-maker is to rely on and take pride in piety (Taqwa) and servitude alongside expert technical activities; because human actions affect the destiny of societies not only through known means but also through unknown (metaphysical) means.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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