Ibn Sina's Intuitive Approach to Ontology

The authors in this article try to suggest a new approach in Ibn Sina’s philosophical thought which is against the classical understanding of his philosophy. They suggest that Ibn Sina benefits from a mystical and intuitive mentality as well as his deductive methodology; but his intuitive approach is hidden under his rational arguments and discursive school. The authors assume the responsibility to explain the intuitive aspect, or the mystical experience of Ibn Sina which can be called “intellectual gnosis”. According to the authors, his intuitive treatises as well as three parts of his Ishārāt, have the same structure and goal. Furthermore, the whole of Ibn Sina’s philosophy is considered one philosophical system, and his intuitive writings are essential, rather than peripheral, parts of that philosophy. Therefore, Ibn Sina’s philosophy is distinguished form the philosophy of Aristotle in fundamental aspects.