Various Types of Notions and their Features

In Islamic philosophy, various degrees of notions, based on the degree of abstractness from matter and its accidents or based on enjoying existential expansion, are divided into four stages: sensuous, imaginary, fictional, rational. The common feature of the three first stages is their being specific, and the feature of the fourth stage is its being general. Whenever we speak of 'knowledge', its primary assertion and its main pillar, i.e. decree (hukm) come to mind. However, upon contemplation, we will find that assertion itself is dependent on notions or concepts. Concepts are partly responsible for creation of knowledge; however, no concept implies a decree as to the affirmation or negation. Concepts just show their own strength and do not judge on the existence or nonexistence of their instances.The present article uses an analytical and theoretical approach, aiming at identifying various types of concepts and presenting a vivid and distinctive picture for each.