Assistent professor of Educational and Research institute of Imam Khomeini
Abstract
Concepts are divided into self-evident and theoretical ones. The focus of definition discussions are theoretical concepts. Different questions are raised: what are theoretical concepts? Are general concepts given through sense self-evident or theoretical? How is it possible that particular sense concepts are regarded as self-evident but those derived from them as theoretical? Is it possible to take whole in the definition of part? If not, how can counterexamples be explained? Is real differentia knowable? If not, what substitute is offered by logicians? Is the purpose of definition to clarify the concepts or analyze the essential notions which lie in the defined? Is it easy or difficult to present a complete definition? With the distinction being nowadays made between logic and philosophy of logic, the above questions and similar ones are to be discussed in the latter.
Mulla Sadra, at any rate, touched on these problems and provided answers. In general, he was in favor of Peripatetics and attempted to meet the challenges raised by the Master of illumination.
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