Abstract

This paper is a review of the theory of relation propounded by the well-known philosopher of the Shiraz School, Muhaqqiq Dawani. It explains his specific ontology, based on which he considers himself to be one of the people of theosophical taste. It has also been tried in this paper to compare this theory with one of Aristotle's famous teachings based on "homonyms in relation to the One" and "ishraqi relation" in Mulla Sadra. This analogy concludes that, as the ultimate origin for Aristotle is the only existent that, in the real sense of the word, is called an "existent", and other existents deserve to be called so only in relation to Him, in Dawani's philosophy the real existent is also the same "existence", and other existents are called so only in the sense of things that bear a relation to existence. Clearly, this view presents a kind of ontological unity which is different from the graded unity discussed in Mulla Sadra's philosophy. This is because Dawani's theory indicates the oneness of being and the plurality of existents. However, Mulla Sadra's ontology represents the oneness of being and existents and, at the same time, emphasizes plurality. Although Aristotle does not say a word about "existence", much less about its unity, his ontology presents an image of secondary existents beside the most real existent, which is undoubtedly based on a fundamental difference in their modes of existence. It appears that, although the basic principles of the above-mentioned philosophers might seem different, one can have a positive view of the proximity between their perceptions, particularly those of Aristotle and Dawani, of the ontological meaning of relation and annexation.