Description and Analysis of Pleasure and its Characteristics Based on Avicenna's Definition in Al-Isharat wa al-Tanbihat

Azadi, Mohammad; Aarafi, Alireza

doi:10.30497/ap.2024.245330.1650

Description and Analysis of Pleasure and its Characteristics Based on Avicenna's Definition in Al-Isharat wa al-Tanbihat

Document Type : Scholarly Article

Authors

Mohammad Azadi ¹
Alireza Aarafi ²

¹ Ph.D. in Islamic philosophy and theology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

² Manager of Iranians Hawzaw

10.30497/ap.2024.245330.1650

Abstract

Pleasure has been a topic of philosophical inquiry for centuries, with Islamic thinkers offering diverse definitions. This study employs an analytical and comparative approach to evaluate the most prominent definitions within Islamic philosophy, focusing on precision, inclusivity, and restrictiveness. The analysis reveals Ibn Sina's definition in Al-Isharat wa al-Tanbihat to be the most compelling. However, Ibn Sina emphasizes the conditions for attaining pleasure, linking it to intuition and attainment. This article proposes an alternative view, defining pleasure as a distinct quality of the soul separate from intuition and perception. More specifically, pleasure is the elation and contentment experienced through perceiving and attaining something harmonious and fulfilling for the individual. This experience ideally occurs in a state free from distractions that impede pleasure. According to the limitations outlined in this definition, pleasure is a quality of the soul, distinct from perception, voluntary, relative, and arises from human needs. An individual only achieves pleasure when they can understand the cause of the pleasure and recognize it as good and perfect for them. Ibn Sina considers rational pleasure to be the highest form of pleasure. He argues that conflicts can arise between different levels of sensual pleasures. To resolve these conflicts, a logical and comprehensive prioritization system is necessary.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Philosophy of mysh

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