Journal of Philosophical Investigations

In "Truth by Analysis: Games, Names, and Philosophy," Colin McGinn seeks to revitalize the traditional approach to conceptual analysis. He asserts that the definition of a concept involves ... Read More

Analysis of Danto's Historical-Hegelian Narrative of the Transfiguration of the Commonplace into Artwork

Farid Rahnama; Amir Nasri

Volume 17, Issue 43 , August 2023, , Pages 47-65

https://doi.org/10.22034/jpiut.2022.50535.3133

Abstract

Arthur Danto in order to achieve the definition of art, while rejecting previous views and clearly opposing the essentialism of the concept of art, seeks a new explanation in challenging ... Read More

Haecceitism and Essentialism: Identity and Distingtion

Meysam Ghaeidvand; Mohammad Sadegh Zahedi

Volume 17, Issue 43 , August 2023, , Pages 650-673

https://doi.org/10.22034/jpiut.2022.51581.3208

Abstract

Essentialism and Haecceitism are theories to explain the issue of individuality in objects. Some philosophers consider these two schools of philosophy to be one, and others oppose this ... Read More

Popper’s Open Society and Its Problems

Jeremy Shearmur

Volume 17, Issue 42 , June 2023, , Pages 188-204

https://doi.org/10.22034/jpiut.2023.16583

Abstract

After offering an overview of some of the main themes of Popper’s political thought, the paper argues that his account faces two problems relating to institutions. The first is ... Read More

An Analysis of the Nature of Tacit Language in Chomsky's Philosophy

Mohsen Bohlooli Faskhoodi

Volume 13, Issue 29 , January 2020, , Pages 109-125

https://doi.org/10.22034/jpiut.2019.29292.2103

Abstract

According to Chomsky's view, the main part of our linguistic knowledge is genetically determined. Therefore, language is inherent and this unknowing or tacit knowledge lies at the foundation ... Read More

Modification of Aristotle's theory of definition in Avicennian logic

Akbar Faydei; Masoud Omid

Volume 12, Issue 25 , February 2019, , Pages 173-187

https://doi.org/10.22034/jpiut.2019.8010

Abstract

Abstract According to Aristotle, definition is the first step to aquire scientific knowledge. And the full knowledge of objects is possible only by knowing their essence and essential ... Read More Abstract According to Aristotle, definition is the first step to aquire scientific knowledge. And the full knowledge of objects is possible only by knowing their essence and essential definition. Following Aristotle, Avicenna thinks that the full knowledge of things is gained through the knowledge of their essence. Admitting the difficulty of understanding the essentials of objects, he states, based on his essentialist doctrine, that real definition should imply quiddity, truth and perfection of essential existence of the limited object so that it represents all its essence. But man can not identify essentials of objects and true definitions of them. Avicenna describes details of all kinds of definitions, and this article we modifies and completes the rules of Aristotle's theory of definition. In will explain it. Keywords: Essentialism, Real Definitions, Genus and Differentia, Aristotle, Avicenna. 1. Introduction Distinguishing between essential and accidental attributes of objects, Aristotle chooses essentialism as his approach. Avicenna shows interest in Aristotelian essentialism in some of his works, but in other works he claims that kowing the essential features of objects is beyond human epistemic capacity and thus modifies the rules of the Aristotelian definitions. 2. Aristotelian Essentialism about Definition: According to Aristotle, sensitive perception represents the knowledge of particular objects and is not considered an example of scientific knowledge; but these very sensitive observations assist the intellect to discover the hidden universals within particular objects and pave the way for the reason to get access to the specific form of objects and distinguish between their essential and accidental features and succeed in revealing their true nature. Aristotle in his metaphysical discussions distinguishes between real and nominal definitions and declares both of them possible and considers the real definition to be the first step for acquiring the scientific knowledge of objects. According to Aristotle, perfect knowledge of objects can be achieved merely by the knowledge of their nature and essence. Real definition of an object is a statement that expresses its essential features, without mentioning the name of the object itself in the definition. This definition is composed of genus (non-conditioned as a matter) and differentia (non-conditioned as a form), and it is always universal and affirmative. 3. Avicenna's Notion of Definition and His Critisism of Aristotelian Definition: Avicenna's words in Shifa and Isharat, like followers of Aristotle, are focused on the possibility of the knowledge of essential features of objects; in the essay devoted to the issue of definition in his book entitled Nijat, Avicenna endorses the possibility of definition and at the same time highlights the absolute difficulty of definition, including real and nominal definitions. However, in his book entitled Ta'liqat he clearly argues that true definition of objects is out of the reach of man. In his book entitled Mantiq al-Mashriqyyin, he provides a detailed discussion of various types of definition and makes some modifications in Aristotelian rules of definition. In Ta'liqat, Avicenna declares real definition composed of genus and differentia to be impossible and criticizes Aristotle's method as incorrect. He restricts human knowledge of objects to knowing their features, requirements and accidents and denied the possibility of knowing their essential features and real definitions. He claims that the first epistemic means of human being is sense, which touches the superficial aspects of objects; then man distinguishes between identical and different perceptions using his intellectual powers and reason and thus understands some of their attributes and requirements and remains uninformed about others. If man was able to perceive the truth of objects he could be aware of all requirements; then man is not able to know the essence and truth of objects. Moreover, difference of opinions regarding the nature of objects is a sign of human reason's inability to understand essential attributes of objects. Knowledge of the true differentia of compound objects lies beyond the ability of man's intellectual perception and he has access only to their requirements. So, man calls their common requirements as genus while he calls their special requirements differentia and particular accident. For example, thinking is not the true differentia of human being, but rather one of the requirements of his true differentia. Furthermore, simple objects have no genus and differentia so that man could know them by knowing these. For this reason, man does not have any access to the knowledge of the essence of objects. The completely immaterial objects are considered as externally simple and intellectually compound, as accidents. The essence of the completely immaterial entities is simple and lacks any matter or external form. We assume genus and differenia for them and bring these in their essential definition. Genus and differentia are declared to be mental matter and form when these are considered without any condition and in this case, they are parts of real definition, not components of simple entities. So, in fact, neither the essence of compound entities nor the essence of simple entities is accessible to man. 4. Conclusion: Aristotle believes that every object has an essence and definition aims at knowing this very essence. Aristotle's followers contend that true definition is difficult to reach, but many Muslim philosophers in general and Avicenna in particular in some of his works argue that essential attributes of objects lie beyond the limits of human intellect. Reaching the true genus and differentia of objects and knowing their essential features is not possible for man. What is declared to be the differentia of the object is in fact its logical differentia, which is in turn the requirement of true differentia. However, knowledge of some of the essential features and requirements leads to the undetailed knowledge of the truths of objects and their features. The major purpose of the definition is thus achieved and man is delivered from the vortex of doubt and sophistry. References: - Aristotle (1980 AD), Aristotelian logic, Abdul Rahman Badawi’s research, Beirut, Dar al-Qalam, 2,418 - Aristotle (2006 AD), metaphysics, translated by Mohammad Hassan Lotfi, Tehran, Tarh-e-now, 63 - Ibn Sina, Hussein bin Abdullah (1982 AD), Mantiq Al-Mashriqiyin, Shukri al-Najjar’s introduction, Beirut, Dar Al-hedatheh, 59-67 - Ibn Sina (1404 AH), Al-ta’liqat, Abdul Rahman Badawi’s research, Qom, School Al-Alam al-salami, 34

Truth of Theoretical Identity Statements in Natural Sciences

Mahmoud Mokhtari

Volume 11, Issue 20 , August 2017, , Pages 231-247

Abstract

This article is aimed to rephrase and critique the arguments presented by Joseph LaPorte about the truth of theoretical identity statements in natural sciences. LaPorte is classified ... Read More

Scientific Essentialism from Kripke to Ellis

Maryam Moayerzadeh; Mousa Akrami

Volume 8, Issue 15 , November 2014, , Pages 1-23

Abstract

Scientific essentialism is a metaphysical theory with its roots in Aristotelian tradition. According to this theory, some properties determine the nature of a physical entity. The proponents ... Read More

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Keywords = Essentialism

The Blurred Edges of 'Game'; Responding to McGinn's Challenges on Family Resemblance

Abstract

Analysis of Danto's Historical-Hegelian Narrative of the Transfiguration of the Commonplace into Artwork

Abstract

Haecceitism and Essentialism: Identity and Distingtion

Abstract

Popper’s Open Society and Its Problems

Abstract

An Analysis of the Nature of Tacit Language in Chomsky's Philosophy

Abstract

Modification of Aristotle's theory of definition in Avicennian logic

Abstract

Truth of Theoretical Identity Statements in Natural Sciences

Abstract

Scientific Essentialism from Kripke to Ellis

Abstract