The link between the abstractive dimension of perception faculties in the avicennial doctrine and the model concept in physical science: mechanism of vision as an example

Abstract

This paper identifies the concept of model (mithāl) in the philosophical doctrines of Avicenna (ibnSīnā) and Al-Ghazali (al-Ghazzālī) and its link to the faculties of perceptions (Kiwā Moudrika) in their full meanings: diversities and amplitudes of abstraction degrees (Marātib al Taj’rid). According to a number of philosophers and thinkers such as Ibn Khaldoun, Locke, and Leibnitz, these faculties of perception are fundamental for the acquisition of scientific knowledge of the sensible universe. This present study focuses mainly on two of these faculties: Al-hiss al-mushtarak and Al-wahm which are found to be of a prime importance after a thorough examination. It is necessary; however, to draw the reader's attention in this summary to the fact that these two faculties have an accurate and specific signification. They have no equivalent in the different contemporary epistemological approaches, and can undoubtedly enrich this field by giving fulfilling answers to certain topical issues. The concepts al-hiss al-mushtarak and Al-wahm can improve the understanding of the conceptual models that the results of research in the science of education yield.