Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student

2 Full professor of Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran

10.22080/lpr.2024.26963.1041

Abstract

This paper explores the complex philosophical concepts of “predestination” and “free will” as they are presented in the novel “In Flames of Water”. These two fundamental intellectual categories have shaped many human behaviors and actions throughout history, leading to ongoing debates among believers in free will and predestination. In the Islamic world, these concepts were initially introduced in the field of theology before transitioning into philosophy. The novel genre, due to its popular content and structure, has been a welcoming platform for these controversial topics, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries. The author of “In Flames of Water”, a philosophy student, has skillfully incorporated these concepts into the novel’s text. Unlike philosophical and theological texts, the author presents these complex theoretical concepts and arguments in a simple and accessible language for the general audience. This paper examines the role and position of “predestination” and “free will” in the novel to determine the extent of their influence within the narrative. The significance of this study lies in the relationship between the novel, the author, and the concept of war, as the presence of philosophers on the battlefield is a rare occurrence. The present research argues that while the novel acknowledges the constraints of predestination, it also highlights the importance of free will, thus presenting a nuanced perspective on these two philosophical concepts. The findings of this study contribute to the broader understanding of how philosophical concepts are portrayed in literature.

Keywords