Intrinsic Designation under Scrutiny

Muslim epistemologists have suggested three theories about the problem of “designation”. Most of them think of designation as being in actu and “intrinsic” (pertaining to demonstration) to mental forms. But professor Fayyāḍi believes that designation is “essential” (pertaining to Isagogue) to knowledge by representation. He thinks of the nafs of the knowing subject as the real designator, and of mental forms as the mental existence of the ones which are designated. On the other hand, professor Mesbah believes that the process of designation is an innate process in which human mind relates mental forms to their designated entities. He considers the act of designation in potentia, the actuality of which depends on true affirmation.In this article, the authors argue that the difference between the three ideas stems from their different analysis of “designation”. So they try to put forward an analysis of designation to criticize the common view as well as that of professor Fayyāḍi. They also refer to the negligence of these views of the role of the knowing subject’s intention in the process of designation.