The Epistemological Perspectives of Fakhr al- Din al-Razi and Khajeh Nasir al-Din al-Tusi on Universals

Fakhr al-Din al-Razi and Khajeh Nasir al-Din al-Tusi share some resemblances and convergences in their doctrines concerning the problem of universals. However, there are significant differences as well. This article aims to examine their epistemological approaches to the issue of universals. In order to achieve this goal, several topics must be explored, including the cognitive status of universals, different types of universals, the process of intellection of universals, and the non-corporeal nature of universals and their abstraction. A notable aspect is the maximal rationalism exhibited by both thinkers, which emphasizes rational (universal) knowledge and, consequently, downplays the significance of empirical and natural sciences. To revitalize and shape modern science, a reevaluation of the problem of universals becomes necessary.