A Model in Islamic Philosophy

  Prof. Alparslan Acikgenc

 A philosophical system is a coherent organization of ideas in such a way that each division of the system corresponds to a specific science(s). This definition of a system implies that through time as sciences develop a system needs also to be modified alongside the scientific progress. But after a certain time, namely after a long history of system as scientific progress, these modifications may accumulate so much that the general outlook reflected by the system can no longer support such modifications and as such there arises a need for a completely new system

From this philosophical perspective, the aim of this paper is to discuss the relevance of Sadra’s system to our time and whether it can be taken as a model for a new philosophical system in Islam. In order to analyze this question, I shall elaborate on the idea of ‘system’ and its epistemological function so as to clarify the philosophical need for systems. An attempt will also be made to classify systems according to their contents and the way of organization. I shall argue in this regard that Sadra’s system can be classified as a ‘systematic system’. Therefore, its coherence as well as the knowledge contained in it can be taken as a model in Islamic philosophy today. In this respect we have a lot to learn from him especially the discipline of mind he reflects in his works.

The aim of this paper is also to show that the present state of Islamic philosophy is very static. The main reason for this is that the past philosophical systems produced in Islamic civilization were neither modified nor replaced by new ones if scientifically founded unsatisfactory. The dynamic character of systems come from their originality as relevant to their socio-cultural and scientific context. Otherwise, they will not find acceptance in a civilization and gradually they will loose their effect upon the  scientific community and in turn upon the community at large. We shall try to evaluate these points in relation to Sadra’s philosophical system.