Vahm (Estimative) Faculty: The New Reading of a Traditional Concept Based on Results of Modern Cognitive Science

This paper is meant to give a new reading of the concept of the vahm (estimative) faculty in light of some recent discoveries in cognitive science. To do so, first by reviewing Avicenna’s writings, the main characteristics of this concept, as was conceived by him, and its place in the cognitive architecture of human beings as well as other species were analyzed. In the next step, the characteristics of this concept and its function were compared with those of some concepts which are newly introduced by cognitive scientists.In the end, it was suggested that the concept of the vahm (estimative) faculty refers to a kind of knowledge or insight that is shared in both emotional and cognitive states, and in evolutionary terms, it has a close connection with some older systems of learning and behavior guidance. Considering these results, it was maintained that, a similarity can be recog-nized between this concept and some other concepts that are newly introduced in cognitive science Such as emotional awareness and cognitive feeling.