The science of philosophy and the unique truth of the ten intellects " a doctrinal study"

Abstract

The research paper, titled "The Reality of Philosophy and Monotheism: The Theory of the Ten Intellects (A Doctrinal Study)," comprises an introduction and two main sections. The first section defines the research terminology, while the second explores the reality of philosophy and Islamic doctrine through the theory of the Ten Intellects (Emanation). This second section is divided into two subsections: the first examines the true relationship between philosophy and Islamic doctrine, while the second discusses the theory of the Ten Intellects (Emanation) within the framework of Islamic doctrine. The research concludes with a summary of its findings. The central problem addressed by this research is the apparent incompatibility between "philosophical reason," which relies on rational inquiry to portray God as the First Creator, and "revealed divine knowledge," which establishes absolute, unseen truths and asserts that everything in the universe is a "sign" pointing to the existence of God and His necessary being. The research thus demonstrates the importance of philosophy and rational inquiry in arriving at the truth of God's Oneness. The research also revealed an error in the philosophical theory of the "Ten Intellects," which leads to polytheism, and clarified the difference between it and the Islamic monotheistic belief in God. This was achieved through a descriptive and analytical approach to presenting and discussing the theory. While many specialists have addressed this topic, its importance as a matter of doctrine prompted me to write about it, hoping to contribute to correcting some misconceptions. This research relied on previous studies, most notably: "Treatise on the Intellect" by Al-Farabi, Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Muhammad, edited by Father Maurice Bouygues, Catholic Press, (n.d.), Beirut: 1938. Al-Farabi's Theory of the Ten Intellects and the Extent of His Influence by Greek Philosophers: A Critical Study, by Atef Mustafa Muhammad Abu Zaid, Tanta, Egypt. A Comparative Study of Plotinus's Theory of Divine Emanation, by Alaa Muhammad Abu Ghalioun.