Introduction: Culture is a complex, multi-layered, and multifaceted category, making its definition a subject of significant debate across various disciplines. This research was conducted due to the numerous logical and substantive deficiencies in existing definitions provided by Western and Iranian thinkers, and the necessity of achieving a precise definition within the philosophy of culture. Objective: The primary goal of this research is to provide a "correct" and "superior" definition of culture using a "rational-transcendental approach" to resolve conceptual challenges and ambiguities in the field. Methodology: This study utilizes an analytical-philosophical method, applying logical criteria to evaluate definitions. The data were gathered through library research and a critical review of the ideas of prominent scholars in sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. Findings: The findings reveal that most existing definitions suffer from logical flaws, such as a lack of exhaustiveness, reductionism, or the confusion of "instances" with "concepts". Based on the results, culture is defined as a consistent spectrum of "insights, dispositions, inclinations, and actions" that functions as a secondary nature and collective identity for a group of humans within a specific temporal and spatial context. Conclusion: The study concludes that culture is a society-born, enduring, and meaning-giving phenomenon that influences all mental and objective dimensions of human life. Its scientific application lies in accurately distinguishing the essence of culture from "para-cultures" and "culture-tools," providing a rigorous foundation for anthropological and human science studies.
Jameˈeh Pazhouhi