Analytical Investigation of the Nature of afections from the Perspective of Transcendental Wisdom

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

1 PhD Graduate of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.48308/jipt.2025.236773.1553

Abstract

Affections are considered one of the most important realms of human personality, and in this research, we have examined the nature of affections from Mulla_sadra’s point of view. Affections are intermediate between action and opinion, and on the one hand, they have a cognitive nature and are defined based on pleasure and pain, and the perception of what is repulsive and agreeable to nature. Mulla Sadra did not address the subject of affections directly and independently, and in this research, which was conducted using the analytical method, we have examined that the nature of affections using the capacities of transcendental wisdom and have reached the following conclusion: And therefore they are provocative in nature. Combining the two pillars of perception and stimulation of affections is the responsibility of the practical intellect, which is done by the power of illusion, and therefore it is the practical intellect that integrates and manages these two virtues. According to Mulla Sadra's reading, the power of imagination is an active power in creating images and perceptions and plays a key role in the formation, stabilization, strengthening or weakening of affections. If we consider imagination to be a spiritual dimension, we must say that in this case, the power of fear is nothing other than the power of imagination. Based on the rank of the human soul, the power of fear manifests itself in the same rank and degree, becoming an imaginary or rational fear, and creating, cultivating, and managing affections in accordance with its existential rank. The training of each of these powers of practical reason can create affections that match this situation for a person.

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