معرفت شهودي صدرا در بوته نقد

A Critique of Mulla Sadraʹs Intuitive Knowledge

Mulla Sadraʹs view of the category of knowledge is such that, on the one hand, he considers reason as being capable of perceiving the realities, and, following an optimistic approach and through resorting to the Qurʹan, praises the people of reason. He views reason as the highest of all virtues, the criterion for obligation, and the master of all faculties. In addition, he maintains that every one is rewarded in proportion to his wisdom, and that it is possible to prove the sacred laws (Shuriʹa) by means of reason. On the other hand, due to its incapabilities, he refuses to accept the absolute control of wisdom over all domains and fields of Knowledge. After leaving the borderline of reason behind, and when inquiring into the field of gnosis, he recounts the characteristics of intuitive knowledge, and ultimately maintains that there is, at least, a part or stage of reality which wisdom cannot access, and, in order to reach it, one must follow other methods. Accordingly, Mulla Sadra speaks of another kind of knowledge which cannot he obtained merely by intellectual activities and calls it revelation.