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        1 - Contexts and Causes of Posing Inconsistent Philosophical Theories in Mulla Sadra’s Works
        Saeed  Anvari
        In his various works, Mulla Sadra has presented different views concerning certain philosophical issues which cannot be gathered in a single philosophical system. In this paper, with reference to such issues, the writers have examined the causes of these different views More
        In his various works, Mulla Sadra has presented different views concerning certain philosophical issues which cannot be gathered in a single philosophical system. In this paper, with reference to such issues, the writers have examined the causes of these different views. For a more thorough study of the related cases, they have investigated different theories including the trans-substantial motion, the mediating movement, the cause of time, the nature of knowledge, God’s knowledge of particulars, divine activity, the cause-effect relation, the criterion for the dependence of possible beings on the Necessary Being, meanings of quiddity, the quality of attribution of existence to quiddity, unity of being, immateriality, and createdness of the soul. A study of these issues indicate that the existence of different views in Mulla Sadra’s works is rooted in one of the following factors: 1) a change in his philosophical theories and ideas over time (initially, he believed in the principiality of quiddity, then in the principiality of existence and gradedness of being, and finally in the individual unity of existence); 2) observing the instructional aspect in expressing his views, 3) posing his theories based on different principles (people, graded unity of being, and individual unity of existence); 4) trying to compose a pseudo-encyclopedic series of books on philosophical discussions. Manuscript profile
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        2 - The Transcendent Philosophy and a Fortiori Logic
        Mahmud  Zeraatpishe
        On which logic is the Transcendent Philosophy based? In response to this important question, this paper refers to a fortiori logic. This logic not only reveals the effect of the graded levels of existence on the structure of propositions and judgments but also explains More
        On which logic is the Transcendent Philosophy based? In response to this important question, this paper refers to a fortiori logic. This logic not only reveals the effect of the graded levels of existence on the structure of propositions and judgments but also explains the propositions inferred from the comparison of existential and non-existential affairs. The important point here is that a fortiori logic can be traced in many of the Qur’anic verses. This paper presupposes that the historical development of Islamic philosophy, from the Peripatetic philosophy to the Transcendent Philosophy with the intention to justify religious statements, indicates the similarity between the logic inherent in its structure with the logic derived from religious texts. The truth of this assumption marks the obvious effect of Islam on the Transcendent Philosophy, through which we can properly justify the use of the attribute of “Islamic” for this philosophy. Manuscript profile
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        3 - Problem of Correspondence in Mulla Sadra’s Ontological Epistemology
        Shahnaz  Shayanfar
        The correspondence theory of truth is one of the most ancient and important theories concerning the knowledge of truth. Muslim philosophers share the same interpretation of the above theory and consider it as the correspondence of the subject and object, which is a pure More
        The correspondence theory of truth is one of the most ancient and important theories concerning the knowledge of truth. Muslim philosophers share the same interpretation of the above theory and consider it as the correspondence of the subject and object, which is a purely quiddative kind of correspondence. In line with early philosophers, Mulla Sadra speaks of the quiddative unity of the subject and object in relation to the discussion of mental existence and the other issues related to knowledge. The present paper intends to provide an answer to the question of how we can speak about the ontological correspondence of the subject and object in Mulla Sadra’s philosophy based on its internal capabilities. Here, through explaining some of the exclusive features and principles of his philosophy, such as his ontological view of knowledge, the distinction between knowledge and mental form, the graded unity of existence, man’s previous beings and, following it, the presential perception of phenomena the writer has tried to explicate the ontological correspondence of the subject and object. The results of the conducted research indicate that quiddative correspondence comes after ontological correspondence. In other words, if we agree with quiddative correspondence, we should initially and necessarily agree with ontological correspondence as a basis for the former. Manuscript profile
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        4 - Mulla Sadra on Oneness of Being
        Seyyed Morteza  Hosseini Shahroudi Mohammad Ali  Vatandoust
        In the process of development of his philosophical thoughts, Mulla Sadra managed to move from graded unity to the individual unity of existence based on his own philosophical principles. Through interpreting causality as epiphany, he limited the truth of existence to Al More
        In the process of development of his philosophical thoughts, Mulla Sadra managed to move from graded unity to the individual unity of existence based on his own philosophical principles. Through interpreting causality as epiphany, he limited the truth of existence to Almighty Necessary and considered other than Him to be the emanations and different forms of the Necessary Single Existence. The writers of this paper intend to present Mulla Sadra’s ultimate theory on the oneness of being and reveal the identity of the oneness of being in the Transcendent Philosophy with gnostics’ idea of this concept. Manuscript profile
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        5 - Mulla Sadra’s Gnostic Explanation of the Theory of the Individual Unity of Existence
        Monireh  Sayyid Mazhari
        Mulla Sadra’s profound philosophical deliberations, which were accompanied by his intuitive contemplations, regarding the truth of being, finally led him to the theory of the individual unity of existence. In line with gnostics, he explicitly acknowledges the necessity More
        Mulla Sadra’s profound philosophical deliberations, which were accompanied by his intuitive contemplations, regarding the truth of being, finally led him to the theory of the individual unity of existence. In line with gnostics, he explicitly acknowledges the necessity of believing in this theory in some of his works, particularly, in his gnostic treatise of Iqaz al-na’imin. In order to provide a gnostic explanation for this theory in the realm of ontology, Mulla Sadra resorts to ontological terminology, describes the relationship between existence and quiddity, and discusses the validity of quiddities in terms of both their fact-itself individuation and ontological descent. In doing so, he initially propounds the theory of the graded unity of existence and states some delicate points in relation to its content. Then, based on the eternal and pre-eternal non-existential nature of possible things, he uses a gnostic language to clarify the individual unity of existence. Finally, he concludes that the unity or oneness of existents in their ontological essence is of an individual and permeating type rather than a specific one. In his view, true existence is exclusively limited to the existence of the Almighty, and all possible beings are the manifestations, appearances, and modes of the attributes of the existence of the Truth and enjoy a shadow-like existence in comparison to Him. Manuscript profile
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        6 - Particular Gradation of Being in the View of Aqa Ali Mudarres and its Difference from other Kinds of Particular Gradation
        Seyyed Shahriyar  Kamali Sabziwari
        In the Transcendent Philosophy, the basis of particular gradation is the return of the shared element to the distinguishing factor. This is a general rule and criterion for particular gradation, based on which at least three types of such gradation can be defined. In th More
        In the Transcendent Philosophy, the basis of particular gradation is the return of the shared element to the distinguishing factor. This is a general rule and criterion for particular gradation, based on which at least three types of such gradation can be defined. In the first type, plurality dominates oneness so that all beings and plural things in the world merely share the aspect of being in existence. In the next type, oneness dominates plurality so that all the multiple beings of the world comprise the stages of a single being. The third type of particular gradation is midway between the other two types. Based on the particular gradation discussed by Aqa Ali Mudarres in the book of Bidayah al-hikam, oneness dominates plurality among possible multiple beings because all of them comprise the different grades of a single and absolute being. However, between the Almighty Necessary and the collection of possible multiple things, it is plurality which dominates oneness. Manuscript profile
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        7 - The Relationship between the Graded Unity of Existence and the Theory of Perfect Man in Mutahhari
        Reza  Safari Kandsari
        Different philosophical and gnostic schools have each presented some theories regarding the perfect Man relying on their own specific worldviews. Believing in a worldview based on the “individual unity of existence”, gnostics maintain that it is only the Truth which exi More
        Different philosophical and gnostic schools have each presented some theories regarding the perfect Man relying on their own specific worldviews. Believing in a worldview based on the “individual unity of existence”, gnostics maintain that it is only the Truth which exists, and what is other than the Truth is only among the modes and manifestations of the Truth. In the view of this group, the perfect Man is a human being who has attained supreme glory. Such a person is indeed the locus of the manifestation of essential and nominal perfections of the Truth rather than having a different existence from the Truth. In his critique of gnostics’ theory of perfect Man, Mutahhari, based on the theory of the graded unity of existence, believes that the perfect Man is a human being who, while actualizing all goals and values to the level of moderation in oneself, has a single goal in mind which is the same proximity to God. According to the gradedness of existence, multiple goals and a single goal are the same but are different in their levels. In multiple goals, the intentions and the ultimate levels of divine proximity are also different. In other words, in the view of Mutahhari, as the graded unity of existence dominates the truth of being, a human being who has attained the graded goal is the same perfect Man. In this paper, the writer explains that none of Mutahhari’s criticisms of gnostics’ views are justified, and explicit references in the related texts demonstrate the falsity of his objections. Therefore, gnostics provide a more complete explanation of the perfect Man, and the existence of this human being is consistent with the individual unity of existence. Manuscript profile
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        8 - Mentally-Posited Being in Mulla Sadra
        Reza  Mollaei
        Mentally-posited things are the most important concepts in practical wisdom. The employment of the principles of Mulla Sadra’s Transcendent Philosophy, in line with the knowledge of the “being” of mentally-posited things, can open new horizons before contemporary practi More
        Mentally-posited things are the most important concepts in practical wisdom. The employment of the principles of Mulla Sadra’s Transcendent Philosophy, in line with the knowledge of the “being” of mentally-posited things, can open new horizons before contemporary practical wisdom. Following the approach of the Transcendent Philosophy, the present study aims to provide an answer to the question of whether the being of mentally-posited things is fake or whether, similar to true being, it has a share of truth and fact-itself. Another purpose of this study is to reveal their methodological effects. In order to provide an answer to the posed question, one must employ the principle of gradation and analyze Mulla Sadra’s views in the field of essential vice and virtue and perception of practical intellect. Accordingly, the author demonstrates that, firstly, mentally-posited being is a lower level of true being and not something opposite to it; hence, mentally-posited things benefit from fact-itself and are not merely some fake phenomena. Secondly, mentally-posited things’ share of fact-itself being is exclusively limited to those which rely on religion and intellect and not to any other kind of mentally-posited thing. Finally, the promotion of mentally-posited being to the subtle level of true being paves the ground for the possibility of using demonstrative methods in the realm of practical wisdom. Manuscript profile
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        9 - A Critical Analysis of Ḥakīm Gharawī Isfahānī’s View of the Levels of Divine Manifestations
        Mostafa  Azizi Alavijeh
        One of the epistemological innovations of Ḥakīm Gharawī Isfahānī entails his gnostic and intuitive approach in practice and theory. Based on the fundamental principles of the Transcendent Philosophy, Muḥaqqiq Isfahānī has proposed an innovative view regarding the levels More
        One of the epistemological innovations of Ḥakīm Gharawī Isfahānī entails his gnostic and intuitive approach in practice and theory. Based on the fundamental principles of the Transcendent Philosophy, Muḥaqqiq Isfahānī has proposed an innovative view regarding the levels of the determinations and manifestations of Almighty Truth. He emphasizes the “graded unity of existence” instead of the “individual unity of existence”, “copulative existence and illuminative relation” instead of “manifestations and epiphanies”, and “simple truth and pure existence” instead of “absoluteness of the source of division”. Ḥakīm Isfahānī introduces three specifications for the truth of existence: the “negatively conditioned” level of non-existential limits or pure existence, the level of “non-conditioned” from contingent limits or holy blessing, and the level of “conditioned-by-something” in the sense of the act of Almighty Truth. This division is different from the related division in theoretical gnosis. In this study, the author initially analyzes the levels of manifestations in the view of Muḥaqqiq Isfahānī and then evaluates them. Manuscript profile
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        10 - An Analysis of the Double-Sided Divisions of Existence based on Sadrian Philosophical System
        Abdolal Shokr
        One of the principles of existence is its commensurability with actuality, externality, and unity. Accordingly, the problem is that this commensurability requires the other divisions, i.e., potential, mental, and multiple types of existence, to exit its domain of divisi More
        One of the principles of existence is its commensurability with actuality, externality, and unity. Accordingly, the problem is that this commensurability requires the other divisions, i.e., potential, mental, and multiple types of existence, to exit its domain of divisions. Later philosophers have tried to resolve this problem by adding two soulish and relative values. Regarding the soulish value, the actuality, unity, and externality of an existent are considered without comparing it to other existents, thus existence becomes commensurate with actuality, unity, and objectivity. Regarding the relative aspect, existences are compared to other existences, find their place in the division, and become the divided of the side in front of it. However, there is another problem because, based on the second assumption, the other side will not be compatible with the meaning of the divisions being the divided. This is because the divisions are separate from each other and have nothing in common; otherwise, the division would be meaningless. Apparently, this problem arises when dealing with the principiality of being and quiddity and ontological separation because the first division has been formed based on the philosophical system of early philosophers and is compatible with its fundamental principles. Following a comparative analytic method of content analysis, the present paper examines the roots of the changes in the double-sided divisions of existence and demonstrates that they were initially developed in the works of philosophers before Mullā Ṣadrā without taking the problem of the principiality of existence into consideration. However, they were later reinterpreted on the basis of this principle and, thus, created this problem. An analysis of this problem based on Sadrian principles could lead to an acceptable justification in this regard. Manuscript profile
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        11 - Specificity of Attaining the Station of Perfect Man in Mullā Ṣadrā’s View: Arguments and Consequences
        Maryam Ahmadi Sahar Kavandi Mohsen Jahed
        One of the most comprehensive studies in the Sadrian philosophical system pertains to the field of anthropology. Moreover, one of the manifestations of the comprehensiveness of this discussion is dealing with the nature and place of the perfect Man in the order of being More
        One of the most comprehensive studies in the Sadrian philosophical system pertains to the field of anthropology. Moreover, one of the manifestations of the comprehensiveness of this discussion is dealing with the nature and place of the perfect Man in the order of being and its referents and worldly and other-worldly functions, which have been explored in several studies. However, what they have all neglected is the attention to the reasons of the specific nature of this station and its consequences in this school of philosophy. It seems that the attention to this point can grant more depth to anthropological discussions in the Transcendent Philosophy and Islamic philosophy. Accordingly, this study aims to provide an analytic account of the reason for the uniqueness of this station in Mullā Ṣadrā’s works. Here, while analyzing the factors affecting the emergence and perfection of human beings through difference of souls within the framework of apriori and aposteriori multiplicity, the authors explain the restriction of this station to quite a few people. The findings of this study indicate that the station of the perfect Man can be attained through the prophet’s invitation, obligation, courtesy, etc. Nevertheless, developing the highest levels of this station is not possible for all, which justifies the quality of the voluntary perfection of the Infallible Imāms (‘a) and the prophets (ṣ). Manuscript profile
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        12 - The Other and Individuation in Mullā Ṣadrā’s Philosophy
        Zahra  Karimi Majid Ziaei Ghahnavieh Alireza  Hasanpour
        The problem of other was propounded for the first time in Western philosophy by Emmanuel Levinas and its efficiency in justifying several ethical principles is undeniable. Moreover, it seems that the majority of present issues and complications in social and internation More
        The problem of other was propounded for the first time in Western philosophy by Emmanuel Levinas and its efficiency in justifying several ethical principles is undeniable. Moreover, it seems that the majority of present issues and complications in social and international relationships can be resolved through a profound consideration of this problem. This discussion has apparently been developed during the contemporary period; however, several early philosophical views and ideas are also capable of resolving the related issues. One of the early philosophical schools with such a potential is Mullā Ṣadrā’s school of thought, which comprises the principles that are based on his ontological thoughts. The employment of the principles of the Transcendent Philosophy as a method of living can at least lead to some changes in People’s worldviews. For example, by lining up some philosophical principles such as the principiality and gradation of existence and the theory of existents’ manifestation, a new definition can be provided for the principle of individuation. Moreover, through a comparison of the principle of individuation with the Sadrian oneness of being, a number of noteworthy conclusions can be derived from this discussion. Manuscript profile