Islamic Research Institute for Culture and Thought, Tehran, Iran

1. Introduction:
The need for an institute being able to present accurate and comprehensive researches on foundations of religious thought, and social systems based on those foundations, led to establishment of the Islamic Research Institute for Culture and Thought (IICT) in 1994. Another significant reason for establishing this Institute was the necessity of up-to-date and scientific review of contemporary thoughts and trends due to the current situations. We also needed such institute to find pathological methods to introduce religion and culture correctly and erase the sacred essence of religion from heresies and illusory completely. The Institute is to protect cultural identity and thinking of the educated ones and the youth as well.

2. Goals and Trends:
□ Criticizing and correcting Islamic resources in philosophy, religion and theology
□ Arranging and organizing religious teachings and thoughts appropriately, considering new necessities and attitudes
□ Prioritizing the innovations and solutions to problems in religious thought and Islamic social systems
□ Presenting comparative studies and scientific critiques in opponent schools of thought
□ Defending religious thought, philosophy and culture scientifically
□ Satisfying scientific and theoretical needs of Islamic Republic of Iran for Islamic social systems

3. Mission:
Performing authentic and practical works of research, compilation, translation in accordance with the needs of contemporary era in various fields of study as follows:
□ Principles and foundations of religious thought, philosophy and Islamic theology
□ Value system, principles and characteristics of political, social, cultural, moral, educational and economic systems in Islam
□ Knowledge of the western culture, contemporary researches in religion, Islamic and Iranian culture, art and civilization
□ Foundations, ideals and ideologies of Islamic Revolution of Iran
□ Examination of reasons and effects of any damage to the society, especially the youth, in religious and cultural beliefs, and finding suitable solutions and strategies, in order to compile and publish works
Scientific review and critique of opponent schools of philosophy and responding to their questions and doubts
□ Holding M.A. and Ph.D. Courses in specialized subjects to train educated scholars and researchers
□ Publishing periodicals and scientific Journals to motivate students of universities and seminary schools, artists, scholars, and other groups impressive in culture of the society and lead them toward the aims of IICT
□ Holding research and scientific seminars, meetings and gatherings
□ Communicating and keeping an active relation with figures, research and scientific institutions, academic and seminary organizations, mass medias in order to use their ideas, experiences and skills
□ Finding, employing and supporting researchers in fields of studies related to the aims of IICT