Avicenna’s Approach to the Detachment of Soul from its Faculties in His Flying Man Argument and Ḥayy ibn Yaqẓān Treatise

Document Type : Scholarly Article

Authors

1 MA in Islamic philosophy and theology, Shahid Rajaee University,, Tehran, Iran

2 MA in Islamic philosophy and theology, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Wisdom, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

One of Avicenna's renowned intuitive arguments that emphasizes the individuality or distinct existence of the soul is the thought experiment of the 'flying' or 'suspended' man. This argument takes various forms in Avicenna’s works. The central concept across all versions is the imperative nature of cessation or detachment from the soul's faculties to attain self-awareness and confirm the inniyyah (particular existence) of the self. In other words, a focus on particular existence is only achievable through detachment from both external and internal faculties. This detachment unfolds in three stages: withdrawal of attention from the external world, turning attention inward to the internal sphere, and ultimately confirming the Inniyyah, representing the deepest layer of the self in Avicenna’s perspective. Avicenna employs the same approach in his treatise Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, framing it as a journey to acquire knowledge about God. In this treatise, we witness the rational soul's journey, guided by the active intellect, towards higher principles. This journey is predicated on the detachment from faculties. Avicenna consistently adopts this approach in the pursuit of self-awareness and knowledge of God. This methodology is rooted in the interference of the soul's faculties in its path and the necessity of detachment from these faculties for the fulfillment and completion of this journey. The rationale behind this lies in Avicenna's distinctive perspective on the faculties and their relationship to the soul.

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References

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Avecinnian Philosophy Journal
Volume 27, Issue 69
April 2023
Pages 271-289

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