language-based arguments

"Language-based argument" is an argument from the structure of language to understand the structure of the world. Although this mode of argumentation has been represented in the context of analytical philosophy, examples of such arguments can be found in the tradition of Islamic philosophy. The influence of the issue of simplicity or complexity of the derivative (mushtaq) on the primacy of existence (aṣālat al-wujūd) is one example of these arguments. In this article, a general account of this influence is provided and examine ‘Allāmah's approach towards this argument. It will become clear that ‘Allāmah does not agree with such arguments in the philosophical tradition. ‘Allāmah's argument for the copulative existence apparently falls within the category of language-based arguments, and if so, a kind of inconsistency can be seen in ‘Allāmah's encounter with this model of argumentation. By presenting two alternative arguments for the externality of the copulative existence and critiquing the interpretation of the commentators of ‘Allāmah's argument, we will exclude this argument from the language-based arguments.