Ibn Sina's transcendental thought; Ibn Sina's transition from materiality to abstraction of imagination and imaginary perceptions

One of the important topics in Avicenna's psychology is the question of whether imagination is material or immaterial. The prevailing view in Avicenna's expressions leans towards its materiality. However, there are instances where he expresses doubts about the materiality of imagination or necessitate the immateriality of imagination. Therefore, Avicenna's perspective on this matter can be categorized into three positions. Firstly, there are instances that affirm his belief in the materiality of imagination, as seen in his book Al-Nafs min Kitab al-Shafa, where Avicenna provides arguments for the material nature of imagination. Secondly, there are instances such as those found in his work Al-Mobahasat, where he introduces the issue of the materiality of imagination and imaginary perceptions with an accompanying sense of doubt. Thirdly, there are positions like the final section of his Al-Isharat wa Tanbihat, where he advocates for the non-materiality of imagination and imaginary perceptions. In this paper, considering "transcendence” as a foundation in Avicenna's thought, these three approaches will be elucidated, and emphasis will be placed on the perspective advocating the immateriality of imagination in Avicenna's thought. It is posited that, in line with Avicenna's transition from peripatetic philosophy to transcendental wisdom, his ultimate stance leans towards the immateriality of imagination. Although he may not have had the opportunity to thoroughly explain it, this aspect of his thinking can serve as inspiration for philosophers like Mulla Sadra in their inclination towards the immateriality of imagination.