Existence and Essence in Mulla Sadrā’s Philosophy

A Comparative Study of Essentialism and Existentialism

Abstract

The article explores Mulla Sadrā’s unique position within the tradition of Essentialism by comparing his views to prominent Western philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Christian Scholastics like St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. While Sadrā acknowledges the reality of essences, he differs fundamentally from traditional Essentialism by asserting the primacy of existence over essence. This contrasts with Plato’s view that essence precedes existence, as well as Aristotle’s focus on essence as the defining element of being. Sadrā supports the existence of Platonic Forms but transforms them from abstract universals into particular, transcendent beings. Unlike the static ontology of the Greeks, Sadrā introduces the idea of substantial motion, emphasizing the dynamic nature of existence. The article also compares Sadrā’s views with modern thinkers like Louis Lavelle, revealing striking similarities in their integration of classical ontology with theistic frameworks. Sadrā’s philosophy is ultimately characterized as a synthesis of existentialism and essentialism, where existence is central, but essences retain a semi-reality, making him an “Essentialist Existentialist.”