Explaining “Concept” as the Source of Division, Division, and Divided from Mullā Ṣadrā’s Viewpoint

When dividing the acquired knowledge into concept and judgment, not only concept is one of the divisions, but the source of division is also a “concept”. The principles of division necessitate the source of division and the division not to be conceptually identical. Accordingly, in order to remove the problem of the “oneness of the source of division and division” or “the division of the thing into the self and other-than-the self”, the “concept” in the source of division must be different from the “concept” in the division. This paper examines Muslim logicians’ most important explanations in this regard and analyzes Mullā Ṣadrā’s standpoint in comparison to theirs. Moreover, based on his statements and the principles of the Transcendent Philosophy, concept has been explained as the source of division, division, and divided in two modes: the first is quiddative reading, which requires the division of concept (absolute acquired knowledge) into two simple types of “concept” and “judgment” and signifies their whatness. The second mode deals with realization and existence, which demonstrates the reliance of judgment on divided concept and is derived from Ibn Sīnā’s statements in this regard.