An inquiry into individuation of entities in Sadrian Philosophical System

The concept of individuation being a characteristic that does not allow the application of a particular concept to more than one case is a positive concept related to secondary philosophical intelligibles. Philosophers are divided on what constitutes the criterion of individuation. Avicenna and [following him] Bahmaniyar assume that it is the separable accidents of a particular material being that serves as a criterion of individuation for it. They believe that the category of 'position' is inherently individuated whereas MuhaqqiqDawani and Sayyid Sanad are of the view that individuation and universality are among the features of conception. Being inspired by the principle of priority of essence, Suhrawardi takes realized essence to be the criterion of individuation. Having criticized philosopher's opinions, MullaSadra regards modes of existence as a criterion for individuation. He reduces some of the theories of previous philosophers to his own theory. Using an analytic-descriptive methodology, this article deals with this issue under discussion, explaining in detail the connection between individuation of beings and the principles of priority of beings and gradation of beings in Sadrian philosophical system.