The theory of causality in the Discourse on the Pure Good (Liber de causis)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21680/1983-2109.2024v31n65ID34545Keywords:
Arabic-Islamic Philosophy. Medieval Philosophy. Causality. Creation. Intellect.Abstract
The aim of this article is to show how the author of the Discourse on the Pure Good, or Liber de causis (LdC) according to the Latin philosophers, develops a metaphysics of causality by proposing an investigation into the causes in a domain other than the natural philosophy. Following the most recent studies which understand the content of the LdC as an original one, I present and explain the criteria that support the causal distinction (First Cause, intellect, and soul) and the ultimate primacy of the First Cause: universality, autonomy, priority and eternity. Then, I indicate how two types of causality arise from the distinction between the First Cause and the intellect, namely, creation (cause of being) and information (cause of form). Finally, I introduce one of the main problems related to LdC’s theory of causality: does the creative activity of the First Cause depend on an intermediary?
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