An Analysis of the Functions of Mullā Ṣadrā’s Theory of Poverty-Based Contingency (Imkān Faqrī) in Metaphysics in its General Sense (al-Ilāhiyyāt bi maʿnā l-aʿamm)

Abstract

The theory of Poverty-Based Contingency is among the foundational intellectual principles of Mullā á¹¢adrā, arising from his philosophical doctrines such as the principality of existence and the graded-univocity of existence. This theory holds that essential poverty and need are inherent to contingent existents. According to this theory, all beings in the domain of existence are pure relation and sheer dependence upon the Necessary Existent, with contingency being an attribute of the very existence of contingent beings. The present study, aiming to analyze and examine the functions of Mullā á¹¢adrā’s theory of Poverty-Based Contingency, adopts a descriptive-analytical method and, drawing upon authentic sources of the Transcendent Wisdom, investigates these functions within Metaphysics in its General Sense. The research findings indicate that the most important functions of the principle of Poverty-Based Contingency in Metaphysics in its General Sense within the Transcendent Wisdom are: in examining the ground of need for a cause; the priority of the Most Exalted Necessary Being over contingent existence; priority by virtue of the truth; the :union: of the intellect and the intelligible in the immediate knowledge of the cause of its effect; and the elimination of quiddity based on Poverty-Based Contingency. Furthermore, the application of the theory of Poverty-Based Contingency as a foundational premise for attaining the doctrine of the personal unity of existence renders unnecessary the refutation of vicious circle and infinite regress in demonstrating the Most Exalted Necessary Being.