Recognition of the Separate Substances in the View of Avicenna and Thomas Aquinas

Document Type : Original Research

Author
N. Abdi
Philosophy Department, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.58209/jpt.1.4.287
Abstract
How to recognize the separate substances given by Avicenna and Thomas Aquinas? Including metaphysical issues is the issue of the separate substances and how to recognize the separate substances. The complexity of the discussion of recognizing separate substances is that philosophers offer different and sometimes conflicting opinions when considering and reflecting on them. Among the medieval thinkers are Avicenna and Thomas Aquinas, each of them, by mentioning several reasons, expresses two opposing views regarding the recognition of the separate substances; As in some cases, they consider it possible for the human soul to know separate substances, and in some cases, they do not consider the human soul to be able to know. However, the views of the two thinkers are hesitant and inconsistent, but by analyzing their views and following the presentation of a dual division for cognition, that is, cognition of truth and true cognition, the apparent conflict can be resolved and finally, declare that according to both thinkers, the human soul can know the truth of the separate substances, with the difference that according to Avicenna, knowing the truth depends on the impartiality of the external active intellect, while according to Aquinas, knowing the truth requires the help of the inner active intellect. On the other hand, both thinkers agree that the human soul can’t know the true essence of the separate substances; rather, true knowledge belongs to the separate substances and God. Finally, true knowledge separate substances cannot be achieved by acquiring knowledge.

Keywords

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Philosophical Thought
Volume 1, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
Autumn 2021
Pages 287-296