The Thesis of Domains of Belief
Applying the methodologies of one domain to the applications of another is what creates tremendous confusion and intellectual transgression.
Domains of Belief — DVD series.
The four quadrants: Science, Technology,
Ethics, Religion.
The major assumption of Prof. Irani’s thesis is that there are four intrinsic demands which are made by the human psyche. Each of these demands leads to a distinct domain of belief, with its own methodology, its own rules, and its own area of application.
In the early history of humanity there was no clear understanding of the separation of these domains. As civilizations advanced, the various demands gained prominence and separated from the collective — forming their own distinctive domain of belief.
To apply the rules and methodologies of one domain to the applications of another is what creates tremendous confusion and intellectual transgression. Conversely, the clear application of each domain’s methodologies within its own area brings clarity and the disappearance of much of the confusion in discussion, debate, and daily life.
The Four Domains
Why do trees grow this way? Why do they bear fruit in one season and not another? This demand to explain our world produces an enormous array of beliefs we call scientific knowledge.
The desire for influence and control in our environment — both physical and social — the techniques by which we can transform things to suit our needs.
The demand to justify our own actions and to ask for the justification of the actions of others. This is the demand that leads to the domain of ethics.
What is it that gives a point to my existence? What is the purpose of my life? This demand to seek significance in our existence is what produces the domain of religion.
“Belief is a natural state of our consciousness. Our nature is such that we are constituted of beliefs and values.”
— Prof. K.D. Irani, Domains of Belief interview, Vancouver, 1998The Interview Series — Vancouver, 1998
In May 1998, Prof. Irani was interviewed over four days in Vancouver, Canada, by Shahriar Shahriari. The conversation ranged across his life, his Zoroastrian faith, and the culminating discussion of his Domains of Belief thesis. Click a thumbnail to play the video here, or use the “Watch on YouTube” link to open it in a new tab.
Production: The filming and interview (Phase I) was made possible through the estate of the late Merhraban Farhangi and was completed in May 1998 in Vancouver, Canada.
Post-production: Editing was completed in Los Angeles. ZAGNY (Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York) contributed to the post-production and duplication costs.
Interviewer & Producer: Shahriar Shahriari, Los Angeles, CA.
Endorsement: “Domains of Belief: An Interview with Professor K.D. Irani
is a wonderful introduction to the thought, humanity and charm of Professor Irani.
For those who have been his students these DVDs will bring back the pleasure and
clarity of his philosophical expositions… What emerges most clearly is Professor
Irani’s depth of commitment to uncovering the ways in which we can come to
understand the complexity of the world while living together wisely.”
— Martin Tamny, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and former Dean,
City College of New York
Books list: We gratefully acknowledge Noshir Minocher Khambatta for making the bibliography available for this web site.
Biography: We gratefully acknowledge Lovji D. Cama for making the biography available for presentation at this web site.
Interview transcript: A full transcription of the Domains of Belief interview is available via Zoroastrian.org (PDF), prepared by Hooshang Jozavi (2022).