A New Interpretation of the Ontological Status of the Powers of the Human Soul According to Avicenna’s Views

Abdi Savejian, N.

doi:10.58209/jpt.6.1.75

A New Interpretation of the Ontological Status of the Powers of the Human Soul According to Avicenna’s Views

Document Type : Original Research

Author

N. Abdi savejian

Philosophy Department, Ce.T.C (Central Tehran Campus), Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.58209/jpt.6.1.75

Abstract

The ontological status of the faculties of the soul in Avicenna’s thought is marked by ambiguity due to the dispersion of relevant discussions and the diversity of approaches across his various works. Adopting an analytical and systematic approach, the present article sets forth and examines, on the basis of Avicenna’s philosophical principles, different assumptions concerning the multiplicity of the faculties, their relation to the soul, their ontological status in terms of substance and accident, as well as the issue of their immateriality or materiality. The study concludes that the faculties of the soul, although immaterial with respect to their essence, are divided, by virtue of their acts, into psychic faculties and bodily faculties. This account, while remaining faithful to Avicenna’s philosophical principles, makes possible the reconciliation and resolution of certain apparent tensions found in his texts.

Keywords

Avicenna

Powers of the Soul

Ontology of the Powers

Immateriality of the Powers

Accidental Status of the Powers

Subjects

Metaphysics (Islamic)

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