Explaining the existential and epistemological position of Active Intellect In terms of Avicenna and Mulla Sadra

Abstract

Active Intellect is an existence superior to the universe, free from substance and its conditions, self-existent and mere action.According to Peripatetic philosophers, this existence has an unparalleled role in both the structure of human beings and the process of human knowledge. They believe that human knowledge could not be achieved without a separated and sacred intellect and the process of knowledge, in all stages, requires the emanation and handing of such an intellect. The quality of connection between soul and active intellect is of action and reaction, in which the latter is on the active side and the former on the passive side.Mullā Sadrā has being used the term “active intellect” in his epistemological discussions many times. He also emphasizes that a human understanding at the stage of reasoning and intellect is the result of the relation of soul to this abstract entity independent of the human soul. But Eventually and Contrary to the dominant approach of commentators, he has some expressions indicating the inner nature of the active intellect In human breath.

Keywords

• active (agent) intellect
• avicenna
• mullā sadrā
• position of ontology
• position of epistemology