Abstract

This article attempts to provide a new philosophical-analytical reading of the principle of the primacy of existence, which is considered the most fundamental tenet of Transcendent Theosophy (Ḥikmat Muta'āliyah). In this critical reading, it is shown that the conventional presentation of the issue of the primacy of existence faces challenges and inefficiencies in the realm of its conceptualization and confirmation. Among these, a correct understanding of the challenge between the primacy of existence and the primacy of essence cannot be achieved without a thorough attention to the duality of primary and secondary intelligibles. Therefore, the central role of this duality in understanding the issue and resolving it is first clarified. Next, to better understand the claim of the primacy of existence in a new light, we have analyzed the philosophical revelation that led Mulla Ṣadrā to discover the principle of the primacy of existence. It is made clear that there exists a close relationship between a correct understanding of the claim of the primacy of existence and the ontological position of "expanded existence." Without considering this ontological position, a proper conceptualization and validation of the claim of the primacy of existence is not possible. In the next step, the relationship between this new interpretation and other interpretations of the primacy of existence and some of its consequences is examined. Finally, an effort is made to present a new position for introducing this interpretation of the primacy of existence in the educational journey of philosophical discussions.