Three Distinctive Principles in Three Philosophical Systems

Recognition Philosophical Systems and comparing them with each other is a fruitful research. This paper will proceed to evaluate Philosophical Systems by explaning systematic similarities and differences and distinguishing one from the other. Accordingly, we will study the principles organizing and justifying Philosophical Systems. This research compares in three Philosophical Systems of Aristotle, Avicenna and Mullā Sadrā and attempts to find what the basic distinction among these systems is in other words, what are the fundamental principles distinguishing these Philosophical traditions? These principles are triple distinction principles which have been stated in different aspects in three Philosophical traditions. The first principle is the distinction between matter and form in Aristotelian Philosophical System. The second one is the distinction between existence and quiddity in Avicenna's Philosophical System, and the third one is the distinction between the reality of existence and the concept of existence in Sadr's Philosophy. By explaining these three principles, one can achieve a systematic understanding of Aristotelian, Avicennian and Sadrian Philosophies. These three principles possess chronological sequence as well and explain philosophical evolution since Greek Philosophy to the last school of Islamic Philosophy.