An introduction to classification of Mulla Sadra's works

Various classifications are available of the academic life of Mulla Sadra, of which the most important is the classification made by Allama Tabatabaei. According to this classification Mulla Sadra's life can be divided into three periods of learning, mortification and self-purification, writing and teaching. Nearly all those who have come after Allama Tabatabaei have made use of this classification for explaining Mulla Sadra's life. The author is of the view that one can talk of three Mulla Sadras when one evaluates Mulla Sadra's academic life: young Mulla Sadra, middle-aged Mulla Sadra and old Mulla Sadra. Young Mulla Sadra is in pursuit of knowledge. The middle aged one intends to rewrite philosophy on the basis of the principle of priority of existence whereas the old one follows an integrated unity on the basis of Quranic, traditional and mystical discussions. This study offers a new classification of Sadra's works so as to pave the ground for assessing the place of politics in his works.