Document Type : Original Article
Highlights
This research has sought to find answers to two central issues. First, the identity of philosophy in Al-Farabi's thought, which includes a set of its essence, characteristics, function, and purpose. Second, the characteristics and conditions that he considers for a philosopher. Similarly, the achievements of this article are also divided into two parts. It should be noted that in the text of Al-Farabi's works, there was no distinction or semantic or epistemological distinction between philosophy and wisdom. He merely refers to the human meaning of wisdom in Greece as skill in matters. However, the findings of this research are as follows: Al-Farabi considers wisdom to be God's knowledge of Himself. Wisdom means the knowledge of the highest being about the highest beings. In this view, the concepts of philosophy and philosopher are used metaphorically for man. Philosophy is one, and the differences between philosophers do not harm this unity. In the words of this philosopher, philosophy means "the view of existence and beings in the light of their being created and the origin of the First Cause." The situation of from Him and to Him can be observed in this ontological approach; Allah is the origin and the goal of existence. Therefore, philosophy is also wisdom and a divine gift to some humans and the agent or the only agent of the individual and society reaching happiness and well-being. In this path, no science or practice can replace philosophy. In the relationship between religion and philosophy, Al-Farabi believes that these two have the same words and are common and can be combined in issues and goals. In the second part, which is related to the characteristics of the philosopher, in his works the philosopher has a prophet-like appearance. He is adorned with moral characteristics in thought and action. He believes in one God, creation is through occurrence and resurrection. In Al-Farabi's view, the philosopher must be a factor in the rules of heavenly religions down to the details. Asceticism from the world, fascination with truth and research in its path are among the characteristics of the divine sage that our philosopher intends. Since philosophy is one, philosophers do not differ much from each other. The philosopher's job is to resemble God to the extent of human endurance. The teachings of the sages are complex, cryptic, and hidden. They combine rational methods with persuasive methods. Ultimately, it can be said that in Al-Farabi's view, the philosopher is a divine sage who is the heir of the prophets and the follower of their path.
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