Existence: The principle topic of discussion of some Muslim philosophers

Abstract

The discussion regarding existence is one of the most extensive discussions of Islamic philosophy. Avicenna and Mulla Sadra paid special attention to this discussion. The former discussed beings while the latter discussed existence itself. In any case, the discussion regarding existence is not simply a conceptual one. Rather, it also points to a real dimension [of this concept]. In the same way, if we do not begin thought from certain self-evident concepts, Metaphysics will not be affirmed as a science. From the point of view of some Islamic philosophers, this concept is the concept of existence. Of course, they have not limited themselves to this discussion. Rather, by investigating existence they attempt to solve many other problems. It is for this very reason that existence forms the main subject of the discussions of some Islamic philosophers. It is possible to take existence into consideration from an intellectual standpoint. In this case, the goal of the discussion is to analyze the concept of existence. It is also possible to investigate it from a direct, mystical standpoint. In this case, by 'existence' we mean the reality of this concept. Here, presence, actuality and life are abstracted from it.

Keywords

• existence
• essence
• reality
• presence
• Islamic philosophy