Comparative Philosophy

Comparative Philosophy

A comparative re-reading of movement from the point of view of Aristotle and Avicenna

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Ali Shad
PhD student in Comparative Philosophy, Qom University, University of Qom,Qom, Iran
10.30487/cph.2025.2020954.1027
Abstract
Abstract
Movement is one of the most important fields of philosophy, whose definition, foundation and types have always been discussed by philosophers. From the examination of philosophical thoughts, it was concluded that movement is considered as one of the subjects of nature. In dealing with this concept, philosophers are divided into two groups; Some believe in stability and stillness, while others believe in continuous movement. Aristotle and Avicenna believe that there is always change and movement in the world. Both philosophers consider movement as the gradual emergence from power to action, and Avicenna considers this emergence as the first perfection for something that is potential. According to Aristotle and Avicenna, movement occurs in four categories: location, quantity, quality, and condition, and does not exist in other categories. Aristotle and Avicenna introduce circular motion as the most perfect motion and believe that every movement needs a stimulus. If the movement is based on the essence of things, that movement is natural, but if it is outside of their essence, it is forced movement. Aristotle and Avicenna believe that the stimulus must be separate from the moving; Because that stimulus will also need another stimulus, and according to the nullity of the sequence of causes, it must be a stimulus that is immobile, infinite, eternal, limitless, alive and active, which is the first stimulus according to the two philosophers.
Keywords
Movement
circular
natural
forced
primarystimulus
Subjects
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