List of Articles
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Open Access Article
1 - Editor's Note
Hossein Kalbasi Ashtariدر تاريخ سرزمين ما، ايران، ادوار و مقاطعي هست كه هنوز زوايا و ابعاد مهمي از آنها همچنان در تاريكي و ابهام باقي مانده و آگاهي و دانش ما دربارة آنها ناچيز است؛ ازجمله دورة موسوم به حمله و اشغال مغولان (ح654ـ 616 ق) كه برغم انجام تتبعات و پژوهشهاي گوناگون اجتماعي، سياسي، ا Moreدر تاريخ سرزمين ما، ايران، ادوار و مقاطعي هست كه هنوز زوايا و ابعاد مهمي از آنها همچنان در تاريكي و ابهام باقي مانده و آگاهي و دانش ما دربارة آنها ناچيز است؛ ازجمله دورة موسوم به حمله و اشغال مغولان (ح654ـ 616 ق) كه برغم انجام تتبعات و پژوهشهاي گوناگون اجتماعي، سياسي، ادبي و فرهنگي، دست‌كم بلحاظ مختصات علمي اين دوره ـ شامل شيوه‌هاي آموزش، وضعيت مدارس، چگونگي نگارش آثار علمي و ادبي، كتابخانه‌ها و حتي فهرست جامعي از عالمان و دانشمندان ـ آگاهي ما نسبت به آن اندك است. از جهت داده‌هاي مربوط به «تاريخ فلسفه» ـ و در معناي عام آن، علوم عقلي ـ از نقش كساني چون خواجه‌نصيرالدين طوسي (672ـ 597 ق) گزارشها و نوشته‌هاي بسياري به زبانهاي مختلف در دست است، ليكن همچنان ناگفته‌هاي بسياري در اين زمينه وجود دارد كه نيازمند تتبّع و پژوهش گسترده‌تري است. اهميت خواجه نصير و نقش او در حفظ ميراث علمي ايران و اسلام (تأسيس رصدخانه و كتابخانه مراغه، تجميع آثار علمي از نقاط مختلف، دعوت از عالمان و دانشمندان در زمينه‌هاي مختلف علمي، نگارش آثاري جاويدان در فلسفه و رياضي و كلام و هيئت و ...) تنها بخشي از خدمات علمي اين چهره بزرگ تاريخ ماست؛ ابتكار و نوآوريهاي او در دانشهاي عصر ـ بويژه فلسفه و كلام ـ آنهم در زمانه وحشت و ناامني ناشي از حملة مغول، نيازمند بازخواني و معرفي جديد است. توجه كنيم! رام كردن و انقياد قومي كه از دانش و فرهنگ و زندگي شهري و آداب تمدني دور بودند، در دشتها و بروي پشت اسبها پرورش يافته و از هجوم و غارت و آتش زدن خانه و كاشانه مردمان لذت ميبردند، كار آساني نبود؛ آنهم براي دانشمندي كه ميبايست از سويي در قلاع اسماعيلي دست به نگارش اخلاق ناصری زده و برخي ماجراجوييها و رفتارهاي افراطي سران اسماعيلي را مهار كند و از سويي ديگر، در دربار هلاكوخان مغول، ضمن تمشيت و تدبير امور، به اصلاح و آباداني و انتشار علوم اهتمام ورزد و در كنار همة اين امور، امنيت نفوس و ذخاير مادي و معنوي دارالاسلام را تأمين كند. هركدام از اينها بتنهايي برگي درخشان در كارنامة حيات علمي، سياسي و اجتماعي يك چهرة ماندگار بحساب مي‌آيد. خدمات خواجه در حوزة علوم عقلي دست‌كم از دو جهت چشمگير و بلكه يگانه و بيهمتاست: 1. آنگونه كه در تراجم آمده است، خواجه در عنفوان جواني، فلسفه را در نيشابور با آثار شيخ‌الرئيس فرا گرفت و تا بدانجا پيش رفت كه يكي از معروفترين شروح و تعليقات را بر اشارات و تنبيهات ابن‌سينا نگاشت كه اكنون با گذشت پيش از هفت قرن از زمان نگارش آن، همچنان بعنوان يكي از منابع و مآخذ مهم علوم عقلي و حكمت سينوي بشمار ميرود. شرح و تعليقه خواجه نوشته‌يي همعرض ساير تعليقات نيست، از اين جهت كه از يكسو مشكلات و غوامض متن فشردة شيخ‌الرئيس را باز ميكند و از سويي ديگر حملات و نقدهاي گزنده فخر رازي، بنمايندگي از گروه كثيري از متكلمان متصلّب و عقل‌‌ستيز را پاسخ ميدهد؛ آنهم در زمانه‌يي كه چراغ حكمت و فلسفه كم‌فروغ يا حتي بيفروغ بود و دفاع از عقل و علوم عقلي به قيمت جان آدمي تمام ميشد! اهتمام خواجه به علوم عقلي محدود و منحصر به شرح اشارات نيست؛ در ساير نوشته‌هاي علمي او نيز روش استدلالي و برهاني غلبه يافته و گويي وي خود را مكلّف به تجديد حيات فلسفه و روش عقلي در زمانه غربت آن ميدانسته است. 2. اگرچه دربارة مذهب كلامي خواجه ـ آنهم با عنايت به ارتباط وي با اسماعيليان ـ اظهار نظرهاي مختلفي شده است، ليكن آنچه مسلّم است، نگارش اثري مانند تجريد الاعتقاد از يكسو و پرورش دانشمندان و عالمان بزرگي چون علامه حلّي و ابن‌ميثم بحراني (شارح نهج‌البلاغه) از سويي ديگر نميتواند در تعيين سمت و سوي اعتقادي خواجه بي‌اثر باشد؛ گذشته از آن شيوة نگارش و پردازش آراء و عقايد كلامي اماميه در تجريد الاعتقاد و دفاع كم‌نظير خواجه از عقايد مذهب حقّه بروش برهاني و استدلالي، جاي هيچگونه ترديدي در تشخيص تعلق خاطر نويسنده باقي نميگذارد. از اينرو بجرئت ميتوان گفت خواجه قهرماني بيبديل و احياگر سنت فلسفي و حكمي عالم اسلام در قرن هفتم و آموزگاري بزرگ در انتقال آموزه‌هاي اعتقادي شيعه اثني عشري است. اين معنا در حكم كلياتي است براي پژوهشهاي تفصيلي در تاريخ علوم و دانشهاي ايران و عالم اسلام كه اميد است پژوهشگران جوان با همت خود افقها و داده‌هاي جديدي را در اين زمينه عرضه بدارند. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Resolving Zeno’s Paradoxes Based on the Theory of the “Linear Analytic Summation” and Evaluation of Evolution of Responsesa
Reza Shakeri Ali Abedi ShahroodiZeno challenged the problem of motion following his master Parmenides and presented his criticisms of the theory of motion based on four arguments that in fact introduced the paradoxes of this theory. These paradoxes, which contradict an evident problem (motion), provok MoreZeno challenged the problem of motion following his master Parmenides and presented his criticisms of the theory of motion based on four arguments that in fact introduced the paradoxes of this theory. These paradoxes, which contradict an evident problem (motion), provoked some reactions. This paper initially refers to two of Zeno’s paradoxes and then presents the responses provided by some thinkers of different periods. In his response to Zeno’s paradoxes, Aristotle separated the actual and potential runs of motion and, following a mathematical approach, resorted to the concept of infinitely small sizes. Kant has also referred to this problem in his antinomies. Secondly, the authors explain the theory of linear analytic summation, which consists of two elements: 1) The distance between two points of transfer can be divided infinitely; however, the absolute value of the subsequent distance is always smaller than the absolute value of the previous distance; 2) since the infinitude of the division is of an analytic rather than a synthetic nature, the summation limit of these distances will be equal to the initial distance. Based on this theory, as motion is not free of direction and continuous limits, an integral limit of distance is traversed at each moment, and the analytic, successive, and infinite limits of distance are determined. The final section of this paper is intended to evaluate the responses given to the paradoxes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Etymology of Fourth Dimension in the View of Muslim Mutikallimūn (Abū Isḥāq Naẓẓām, Ibn al-Rāwandī, Abū Sahl ‘Abbād, and Muḥaqiq Ṭūsī)
Mahdi AssadiThe fourth dimension is one of the problems that have left the borderlines of philosophy behind and are now among the main concerns of physicists. However, the accurate background and history of this view are still clouded. The roots of the fourth dimension can be trace MoreThe fourth dimension is one of the problems that have left the borderlines of philosophy behind and are now among the main concerns of physicists. However, the accurate background and history of this view are still clouded. The roots of the fourth dimension can be traced back to the works and ideas of some thinkers of the Middle Ages, such as Anselm, in Western philosophy, although there is no explicit reference in this regard in their works. The roots of the fourth dimension have also been found in the works of Mullā Ṣadrā in Iranian philosophical society. This paper aims to demonstrate that there are some clearly explicit statements about the fourth dimension in the works of Khwājah Naṣīr al-Dīn Ṭūsī in the Islamic world before Mullā Ṣadrā. The author has found no direct statement in this respect in first-hand sources; however, some ideas have been attributed in second-hand sources to some of the mutikallimūn of the Islamic world, including Naẓẓām, Ibn Rāwandī, and ‘Abbād, that focus on four-dimensionalism. Following a historical approach, this paper has compiled the views of these thinkers and analyzed them based on a rational approach. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - A Study of Mīr Dāmād’s Approach to Suhrawardī’s View of Referring Temporal Priority to Natural Priority
Hamidreza KhademiThe problem of time and the quality of existence of priority and posteriority of its components are among the important issues in Islamic philosophy. In Ibn Sīnā’s view, the existing priority and posteriority among the components of time are of a temporal type; however, MoreThe problem of time and the quality of existence of priority and posteriority of its components are among the important issues in Islamic philosophy. In Ibn Sīnā’s view, the existing priority and posteriority among the components of time are of a temporal type; however, Suhrawardī believes that they are of a natural type. Mīr Dāmād has adopted a critical approach regarding Suhrawardī’s view by presenting two criticisms and finally trying to provide another view of natural priority and posteriority as components of time in addition to temporal priority and posteriority. The quiddative unity of the components of time and the consideration of external separation in temporal priority and posteriority comprise the essence of Mīr Dāmād’s criticism. He believes that the impossibility of the gathering of elements of time with each other confirms the truth of temporal priority and posteriority, and the need of some elements of time to some others and their dependence on them confirms the truth of natural priority and posteriority. This paper firstly explains Suhrawardī’s view in this regard and, then, after an accurate analysis and investigation of Mīr Dāmād’s criticisms, critically examines a part of his approach to the problem based on an analytic comparative method. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Revisiting and Validating the Normative Approach to Sciences in the View of Islamic Philosophers
Ahmad Shahgoli Fardin Jamshidi MehrThis study was conducted to clarify the view of Islamic philosophers regarding the graded approach to sciences and the dimensions and outcomes of this problem. One of the principles dominating the worldview of Islamic philosophers is the graded conception of affairs. Th MoreThis study was conducted to clarify the view of Islamic philosophers regarding the graded approach to sciences and the dimensions and outcomes of this problem. One of the principles dominating the worldview of Islamic philosophers is the graded conception of affairs. This view also exists in relation to sciences and stipulates that sciences are of different levels and grades with respect to their value. In other words, some of them are more valuable, while some others are less valuable. Philosophers believe that philosophy is the noblest of all sciences and have provided some criteria and arguments in support of this claim. The purpose of this paper is to explain and revisit this approach and its epistemological effects based on a descriptive-analytic and critical method. Therefore, the authors have first introduced the basic principles and approaches of philosophers concerning this problem and then clarified their effects and consequences in other realms. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - A Study of the Principles of the Impossibility of Developing a Preference and Preponderance Without a Preponderant in Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers
Samane Qanbari Varnusfaderani Hassan Fathi Majid Sadremajles Morteza ShajariThe principles of the impossibility of preponderance without a preponderant and the impossibility of developing a preference are among the most important principles of Islamic philosophy that have been widely discussed. Since the related debates have provoked several co MoreThe principles of the impossibility of preponderance without a preponderant and the impossibility of developing a preference are among the most important principles of Islamic philosophy that have been widely discussed. Since the related debates have provoked several contradictory ideas, their study aims to clarify many of the problems in Islamic philosophy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the principles of the impossibility of preponderance without a preponderant and developing a preference in Epicurean and Stoic philosophies. These two principles play extremely diverse functions in these two schools of philosophy and are utilized in ethical, epistemological, and physical discussions. Stoics have completely accepted the principle of the impossibility of developing a preference. They also agree with the principle of the impossibility of preponderance without a preponderant but believe that it is based on the principle of the impossibility of making a preference. Stoics maintain that preponderance without a preponderant leads to motion without a cause. Epicureans agree with the principle of the impossibility of developing a preference at a macroscopic scale or in the realm of bodies and events. However, they reject it in the microscopic realm of atoms at least in the case of their diversion. Epicureans accept the principle of the impossibility of preponderance without a preponderant and believe that it is generally possible. However, they acknowledge that it is discreditable in some cases and allowed in some others. They hold that preponderance without a preponderant is a supreme example of Man’s free will. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Place of Music in Mīr Findiriskī’s Risālah Ṣanāiyyah
Sahand Soltandoost Mehdi Keshavarz Afshar Asghar FahimifarMīr Abulqāsim Mīr Findiriskī (1562-1640), Iranian Philosopher of the Safavid era, has presented some discussions on theoretical music in his most famous work entitled Risālah Ṣanāiyyah, which has made him unique among the philosophers of this period. However, unlike the MoreMīr Abulqāsim Mīr Findiriskī (1562-1640), Iranian Philosopher of the Safavid era, has presented some discussions on theoretical music in his most famous work entitled Risālah Ṣanāiyyah, which has made him unique among the philosophers of this period. However, unlike the philosophers of early Islamic period, Mīr Findiriskī uses the example of theoretical music in order to explain different types of profession rather than teach music based on written texts. The present paper aims to investigate Mīr Findiriskī’s philosophical views in relation to music as a profession following the qualitative method of content analysis and using historical and library resources. Here, while providing a brief historical review of Mīr Findiriskī’s life, works, and thoughts, the authors have explained the theoretical foundations of the treatise and the technical terms used there in order to clarify the writer’s intention of resorting to the example of theoretical music. The most important implication of music-related discussions in this work is that, during this period, scholars made a clearly explicit distinction between the knowledge and practice of music. In fact, it was possible for prominent religious scholars to have complete mastery over theoretical music but avoid listening to music, teaching it, or practically dealing with it and warn their seminary students against any practical involvement with music. This fact can be considered as one of the clear signs of the separation of the knowledge and practice of music during the Safavid era. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - An Evaluation of Fakhr al-Dīn Rāzī’s Criticisms of Ibn Sīnā’s Arguments on the Falsity of Vacuum
Mahmud SeidyOne of the problems that has always been discussed during the history of Islamic philosophy is the possibility or impossibility of vacuum. The problem is whether one can imagine a place or space in which there is no body. Aristotle was one of the philosophers that criti MoreOne of the problems that has always been discussed during the history of Islamic philosophy is the possibility or impossibility of vacuum. The problem is whether one can imagine a place or space in which there is no body. Aristotle was one of the philosophers that criticized the theory of vacuum and presented some arguments in this regard. Following Aristotle, Ibn Sīnā discussed this problem and provided some arguments in support of his views. These arguments have been adduced on the equality or sameness of the dimensions of vacuum, mobility of bodies in vacuum, forcible motion in open air, and non-temporality of physical motion in vacuum. Fakhr al-Dīn Rāzī has referred to several defects of these arguments, which are critically investigated in this paper. Manuscript profile