Epistemological Approach in Proving Separated Intellect in Islamic Tradition: Critical Analysis

A cluster of arguments for the existence ʿaql-i Mufāriq (Separated intellect) are based on epistemological approach, which we, in this inquiry, will analyze three of them critically. In this study, we indicate that these arguments are more similar to “explanations” rather than reasoning for the existence of separated intellect, I mean that they are more similar to illustrative hypotheses which, in addition to establishing compatibility in a system, give us an understanding of how one thing is possible. In this case, firstly, they will accept competitors; i.e., we can offer other hypotheses and explanations. Secondly, because it seems that all these problems are multiple-origins, in different disciplines, other explanations could be presented, each of which illuminates a portion of reality. Thirdly, as for the criteria of precedence of explanation, maybe these explanations do not succeed today. Nevertheless, if we regard these arguments as a proof and justification for the existence of separated intellect, they will have many defects and will not reach the goal.