Al-Hikma al-mutaaliya fi al-asfar al-aqliyya al-arbaa (Book)

Al-Hikma al-mutaaliya fi al-asfar al-aqliyya al-arbaa, a seminal work by the eminent philosopher Mulla Sadra, encapsulates a profound shift in epistemological and metaphysical paradigms within Shia philosophical discourse. This treatise navigates the intricate domains of human cognition, spirituality, and the cosmos, offering insights that beckon scholars and laypersons alike to reevaluate their existential frameworks. The following exploration delves into the core tenets of this philosophical masterpiece, illuminating its relevance and enticing intellectual curiosity.

At its heart, Al-Hikma al-mutaaliya introduces a radical synthesis of the philosophical currents that preceded it, particularly the interplay between Aristotelian logic and Neoplatonic thought. Mulla Sadra deftly interlaces these traditions, asserting that knowledge is not merely an abstraction but an experiential voyage towards truth. This assertion situates the work within a broader ontological perspective, wherein existence precedes essence, thereby catalyzing a reassessment of the nature of reality.

One of the most striking aspects of Mulla Sadra’s discourse is his emphasis on the concept of substantial motion (harakat al-jawhariyya). Unlike traditional doctrines that posit a static understanding of being, Mulla Sadra argues that all beings are in a constant state of flux and transformation. This idea challenges the static notions prevalent in earlier philosophical schools, proposing instead that existence itself is dynamic. This perspective not only invigorates metaphysical inquiry but also offers a lens through which one can perceive the interconnectedness of all entities within the cosmos.

Furthermore, Mulla Sadra elaborates on the distinction between the intelligible realm and the realm of sense perception. He posits that the former encompasses the essence of reality, while the latter is a mere shadow of true knowledge. This bifurcation has profound implications for the epistemological foundations of Shia thought. The assertion that true understanding transcends sensory experience urges the adherent to cultivate a reflective approach to knowledge acquisition, one that prioritizes intuition and spiritual insight over empirical observation alone.