1
Level Four Graduate at the Islamic Seminary, Qom, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor at the Department of Islamic Studies, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Borujerd, Iran.
Abstract
Peripatetic philosophy rests on the principle of causality, and its interpretation of efficient causality influences the ontological relationship between higher principles and lower entities—particularly the relationship between the Divine and the created order, as well as the human soul and its faculties. The concept of "agency" (fāʿiliyya) eliminates the absolute separation between these two categories of realities and establishes a graded distinction among them. The existential distinction is only based on two concepts: the existential independence and precedence of the efficient cause over its effect. This distinction makes the independent existence of the Divine and the human soul as primary, while the distinct existences of their effects are considered secondary and its derivatives. Consequently, the particular unity of the cause and the multiplicity of manifestations is not accepted within Peripatetic philosophy. Instead, a graded unity, defined as the unity of existence alongside the multiplicity of beings, is demonstrated concerning the Necessary Being and contingent entities, as well as the objective reality of the human soul and its faculties. This interpretation provides a basis for further doctrines, such as the unity of the Divine essence and acts, and the unity between the human soul and its faculties. The principle "He who knows himself knows his Lord" (man ʿarafa nafsahu faqad ʿarafa rabbahu) is thus reflected in the shared Peripatetic interpretation of agency within both theology and anthropology.
Pazhouhandeh,H. and Ramezani,R. (2025). The Peripatetic Interpretation of Agency and Its Impact on Ontology, Theology, and Anthropology. Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 11(42), 55-74.
MLA
Pazhouhandeh,H. , and Ramezani,R. . "The Peripatetic Interpretation of Agency and Its Impact on Ontology, Theology, and Anthropology", Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 11, 42, 2025, 55-74.
HARVARD
Pazhouhandeh H., Ramezani R. (2025). 'The Peripatetic Interpretation of Agency and Its Impact on Ontology, Theology, and Anthropology', Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 11(42), pp. 55-74.
CHICAGO
H. Pazhouhandeh and R. Ramezani, "The Peripatetic Interpretation of Agency and Its Impact on Ontology, Theology, and Anthropology," Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 11 42 (2025): 55-74,
VANCOUVER
Pazhouhandeh H., Ramezani R. The Peripatetic Interpretation of Agency and Its Impact on Ontology, Theology, and Anthropology. Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami, 2025; 11(42): 55-74.
