Avicenna and the logic of religious understanding

Abstract

The logic of understanding religion is a set of methodical rules which if adhered to can protect the mind of a religious exegete from errors in understanding. The necessity of such logic is clear to the intellectuals. Avicenna is one such intellectual in this regard. The concern of this study is “Avicenna and the logic of understanding religion”. This study is foundational, historical, analytical and concern-centered and has been conducted using a library method and authentic sources. The findings of this study are that Avicenna’s philosophical-scientific perceptions are not consistent with religious texts and this has resulted in him determining that there is a disharmony between rational premises and religious, revelation premises. The Prophet was a unique being and exalted in estimation, imagination and intellect. A large part of his perceptions of realities was not consistent with the general level of understanding. Presenting the bare findings has not been possible or useful. Accordingly, he presented it to people in the form of coded language, metaphors and parables so that they become familiar with the minimum of intellectual and human happiness. According to Avicenna, understanding the real meaning of texts is only possible through ontology. Ontology enables the exegete to become familiar with the writer of the text and his intent from the text and allows him to decode the text. He himself has done this and this is what has caused serious criticisms to be raised against him.

Keywords

• avicenna
• logic of understanding
• religious texts
• hermeneutics
• ontology