The Internal Senses of Soul; Nature, Function and Position

According to Mullah Sadra's psychology, human soul which is known for its simplicity, is united with many faculties. Accordingly, the faculties of soul are considered part of its existential states but they differ in perfection and imperfection. Therefore, each of them has a separate grade in soul. Man’s particular disciplines are related to the outer and inner faculties of perception at the animal level of soul. Man's perceptions and external perceptions are the special functions of man’s five external senses, and consolidation, transformation, and remembrance of all man’s internal and external perceptions are the functions of the five internal senses. The important role that the internal senses play in perceptions and the effect of perceptions on man’s voluntary deeds and traits show the necessity of realizing internal senses and sharpening and adjusting them. In fact, some of man’s offences and vices are ascribe to the imbalance in internal senses. Therefore, achievement of everlasting bliss demands the acquaintance with these faculties and hindering their imbalance. Using a descriptive –analytical method, this paper expounds Muslim scholar's view about the reality, function and position of internal senses.