A Comparison of the Theory of Nature of Intellect with Avicenna's Idea of Hanging Man

Applying the presence science and intuition are of high importance in Ibn Sina’s thought. The theory of Hanging Man is a remarkable example of applying intuition. Corresponding to this theory is the theory of human nature. Similarities between these two theories, including their applying of the same words for referring to the presence science, has encouraged the authors to compare the two theories. The results of this comparison show the priority of the theory of Hanging Man to the theory of nature in a linear relationship in terms of principles, consequences and criteria. In this context, the theory of Hanging Man belongs to the ontology domain while the theory of human nature belongs to the epistemology domain. The contemplation on the criteria for perceptions of the soul shows that Razi’s criteria epistemologically precede to Ibn Sina’s criteria, because Razi’s criteria are based on the medium or the lack of medium in the recognition of primary premises. In this regard, the firm foundationalism of Fakhre Razi, Khajeh Tosi, and Allameh Helly, which is based on specifying primary premises as the only kind of evident and justified to self, can be based on cognitive of the soul perceptions and perceptions of the soul and the post-soul.