Philosophical Thought

Reinterpretation of Mulla Sadra’s Subject-Predicate Transposition Based on the Historical Foundations

Document Type : Original Research

Author

S.A. Hosseini Sangchal

Department of Theology and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.58209/jpt.6.2.269
Abstract
The analysis of Subject-Predicate Transposition in simple helliyya propositions structures the proposition “Man is existent” as “This is the existence of man.” Generally, this transposition is articulated by referencing Mulla Sadra’s doctrine of the Primacy of Existence. In this article, I will demonstrate that: Firstly, historical roots—largely stemming from textual interpretative disputes—paved the way for Mulla Sadra to propose this theory. Secondly, in formulating this theory, Mulla Sadra is compelled to adopt numerous foundational principles from Dawani amidst the polemic between Dashtaki and Dawani, including the Law of Attribution and Relation, the Expanded Attribution, the Separation of the (Sphere/Diathesis) of Attribution from the Sphere of Realization of Attribution, the Types of Attributive Correspondence of Predication, and the Derivative Rule arising from the Expanded Attribution. Third, by considering these historical foundations and juxtaposing numerous texts from Mulla Sadra, this study offers a more precise interpretation of this theory.

Keywords

Simple Helliyya Propositions
Subject-Predicate Transposition, Mulla Sadra, Jalal al-Din Dawani, Seyyed Sadr al-Din Dashtaki
Subjects
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Philosophical Thought
Volume 6, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 269-287

  • Receive Date 07 January 2026
  • Revise Date 07 June 2026
  • Accept Date 07 June 2026
  • Publish Date 21 April 2026