Ibn Sina, an experienced or rational philosopher?

Abstract

Despite this fact that epistemology has not been regarded as a science and branch in Islamic philosophy, Islamic philosophers spoke about the ontological debates on the topic of so-called modern-epistemology. Although the approach of rationalism and experientialism has several criteria, it is undeniable that this discussion and division are among the new topics of epistemology and such terms, with the approach in epistemology, have not been popular in the thinking of Islamic philosophers. Nevertheless, it is possible to think about their way of thinking: experimentation or rationalism. The fact that is well-known is that they are rational philosophers, and Ibn-e Sina does the same. In current study, four criteria for rationality or experimentation are expressed: 1. the existence and the lack of intrinsic perceptions, 2. the means of acquiring knowledge, 3. the origin of attestation, and 4. the existence and absence of a priori certifications. Then, by referring to Ibn-e-Sina's statements, the rationale or experimental nature of the epistemic instrument examined him according to each criterion which leads to strengthening the hypothesis that, not in general, but in most of its criteria, it is more inclined to experientialism than rationalism Therefore, it is possible to sum up these two views, namely, the "authenticity of reason and experience" in Ibn-e Sina's thinking.

Keywords

• ibn-e sina
• rationalism
• experientialism
• natural knowledge
• sensory perception