The Evidence and Principles of the Theory of Self-Revelation of the Soul in Mullā Ṣadrā’s Philosophy

For some reasons, finding Mullā Ṣadrā’s final position on various philosophical issues requires much precision and patience. Regarding the origin and development of human knowledge, the theory that is both confirmed by clear textual evidence and is derived from the special principles of Ṣadrā’s philosophy is the view of self-revelation of the soul. In this view, perfection of the soul does not mean receiving perfections alien to the soul from the outside and being added to the soul, but the soul is a simple truth that, with the help of God and as a result of its substantial movement, continuously reveals what it has in its inner reality. In fact, what is already undifferentiated in the inner reality of the soul becomes manifested and differentiated. In the transformative process of knowledge, it is not added to the self from the outside, but emanates from within, and to be more exact, the existence of the self is revealed to itself. This research, with analytical-descriptive method and based on library sources, shows that many of the Sadrian special principles are not compatible with the common interpretations of the transformation of the soul rendering soul’s movement as ‘the evolution from potentiality to actuality.’ Such principles necessitate a new reading of the development of the soul, especially in the perfection of knowledge. Primacy, simplicity, and gradation of existence, as well as the unity of the soul with the Active Intellect, the former existence of the soul, the Sadrain explanation of physical resurrection are among principles that, along with the clear textual hints and direct statements, can lead us to the theory of self-revelation of the soul.