A Critical Study of the Differences Between Elemental and Ideal Bodies in Mullā Ṣadrā

One of the classifications of the reality of the body in philosophical sources and works divides it into Ideal and elemental types. There is no conflict among contemporary philosophers regarding the essence of this division itself; however, they have referred to some differences between elemental and Ideal bodies, some of which are based on the principles related to the discussion of material and immaterial entities. Philosophers have provided different definitions for the material and immaterial. One of the important problems in the discussion of the differences between elemental and Ideal bodies is the problem of the existence of potency. Nevertheless, some other differences between them have been mentioned that cannot be completely based on the discussion of material and immaterial entities. Mullā Ṣadrā has extensively dealt with this philosophical problem in his works and referred to 15 differences between these two realities. The study of these differences can provide a better understanding of the reality of elemental and Ideal bodies. The present study indicates that some of these differences are correct; some are incorrect, and some others demand further explanation.