Unity of Soul with Active Intellect in Islamic Philosophy; a Comparative-Critical Study

Active intellect is the efficient cause and the governor of the material world. In addition, as a source of intellectual forms, active intellect bestows these forms on human soul. Following Ibn Sina in negating the unity of soul with active intellect, peripatetic and illuminative philosophers believed that receiving mental forms is only possible through the relation of soul with active intellect. However, defending the unity of soul with active intellect in two fields, Mulla Sadra has responded to the objections of Ibn Sina. Responding to the objections of the earlier philosophers concerning the unity of soul with active intellect while relying on Mulla Sadra׳s remarks, the author has explained his view in this regard. The author has raised his objections to Mulla Sadra׳s view concerning the unity of soul with active intellect towards intellectual understanding, and has considered the arguments of the unity of soul with active intellect from the very beginning of the process of intellectual understanding inadequate. It is only after undergoing the stages of intensity of the substance that soul reaches unity with active intellect i. e. the second step of Mulla sadra in his argument. By this unity is meant the essential perfection of the soul and its transformation into intellect. According to the author, there is an important question before Mulla Sadra in this regard too. The question is: if several men achieve the stage of unity with active intellect, is it possible to believe in the numerical multiplicity of active intellect, given the fact that in his opinion every intellect is a unique species. The author has also raised certain objections to this rule.