Comparative Examination of the Essence of Self from the Perspectives of Fakhr Razi

In philosophical discourse, the inquiry into the nature of the soul holds profound importance. This study delves into Fakhr al-Rāzī’s interpretation of the soul's essence. Unlike Avicenna, Fakhr al-Rāzī situates the discussion of the soul beyond the realm of natural sciences, positioning it within theological issues. Furthermore, he delineates a distinct definition of the rational soul, featuring "I" and its referent. However, Fakhr al-Rāzī's depiction of the soul reveals inconsistencies, vacillating between assertions of its immateriality and suggestions of its composite nature, comprising both spirit and body. To reconcile these discrepancies, three potential resolutions are proposed. Firstly, the term "nafs" (soul) in Fakhr al-Rāzī's discourse is used equivocally. Secondly, the soul plays a pivotal role in defining the human essence as the perfection of matter. Thirdly, the inconsistency within Fakhr al-Rāzī's framework can be attributed to his steadfast adherence to religious sources and their doctrinal content.