An Analysis of the Problem of "Multiplicity" in the Philosophical and Theological Thoughts of Nasir al-Din Tusi
Subject Areas : کلام اسلامیmohammad karaminia 1 , reza berenjkar 2 , mohammad ranjbarhosseini 3
1 -
2 - University of Tehran
3 - Quran and Hadith University - Qom
Keywords: Plurality, Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi, philosophy, theology, change of opinion, taqiyyah, necessity of knowledge.,
Abstract :
In the perspective of philosophy and theology, Nasir al-Din al-Tusi is considered a dual thinker. In some scientific discussions and topics, he expressed two different opinions, one based on the intellectual principles of theologians and the other on the profession of philosophers. This may initially create ambiguity and doubt, because it seems that Nasir al-Din presented multiple opinions. In this article, we will first briefly discuss some of Nasir al-Din's multiple opinions that show a kind of heterogeneity. Then, in the analysis of these opinions, six hypotheses are proposed, and the proponents and supporters of each of them will be discussed. In the following, each of these hypotheses will be carefully examined to determine which is stronger. Finally, the selected viewpoint will be presented. This article, by examining Nasir al-Din's views and paying attention to his social and scientific status, and the periods of his life and interactions, shows that his real opinion is the foundations of Imami theology, and philosophical views are included in Nasir al-Din's philosophical works in accordance with the requirements of philosophy. He also wrote philosophical works and philosophical views that were opposed to Imami theology due to his living conditions and presence in Ismaili fortresses, and out of taqiyyah. The hypothesis of "change of opinion" is generally rejected in this research.