Elucidation and Critique of the Solution for the Apparent Incompatibility in Philosophy of Illumination Method

By considering as incomplete the peripatetics’ method in achieving reality، Shaykh Ishrāq (Suhrawardī) has chosen the method of insight and intuition. But what position do thought and proof have in his method? It is implied from some of his statements that thinking and proof have no place in his method and some of his other statements imply the opposite. One of the solutions of this apparent incompatibility is to distinguish between the personal method of achieving reality and the method of transferring concepts to others. According to this viewpoint، the method Suhrawardī himself uses to achieve reality is through insight and intuition; whereas using thinking and proof is only for instructing others and not for personal reassurance. However، by mentioning three reasons، limitation of the status of thinking to the status of transferring concepts to others is repudiated. Consequently، in order to personally achieve the truth، the philosopher of illumination can use both the intuitive method and the argumentative method and when transferring truths to others، he is to use the argumentative method.