The Analysis of Two Approaches to the Principality of Existence in Mulla Sadra’s Metaphysics

Abstract

The thesis of principality of existence is one of the most fundamental subjects of Islamic Philosophy. In a way most of the discussions of philosophical problems in this school are based on theosophy, and somehow they are tied to it. However Mullasudra raises the discussion of principality of existence with two different approaches in his works. One is a Gnostic approach, and the other is his own and innovative approach, Sadraei approach. In this paper we shall try to clarify the theory of principality of existence and compare the two approaches with each other, using the methodological tools, like discovering the basic questions, finding out the records and historical backgrounds, and requirements, as well as the consequences each involve.

Keywords

• principality of existence
• Gnostic approach
• Sadra’s innovative view.