معرفت فلسفی

This analytical-descriptive article attempts to establish and prove “latitudinal gradation” (tashkīk-e 'arḍī) in Sadr al-Muta’allihin’s philosophy. To this end, the first step defines this term and, considering the classifications and criteria provided by Sadraean scholars, examines and solidifies its place and identity within the system of transcendent wisdom. In the next step, after conceptualizing the subject, the article addresses the demonstrative proofs for latitudinal gradation, presented in three arguments: The first argument is based on the immediate presence of intuition of multiplicity within the unity of mental entities as the middle term. The second argument uses the same middle term, in the light of the principles governing the longitudinal ranks of existence. The third argument relies on the revelatory power of the equivocal sharing of the concept of “existence” among multiple existents through their unity of cognation, despite their multiplicity. Finally, the article responds at three levels to an objection raised against the third argument (namely, uncertainty regarding the revelatory power of the equivocal sharing concept of existence as one cognation). Among the innovative achievements of this paper is the presentation of two new arguments in proving the latitudinal gradation of existence, unprecedented in previous philosophical works.