Pleasure and Pain from the Perspective of Avicenna in Neuroscience The Possibility of Transition from Avicenna's Maximal Duality

Document Type : Original Article

Author

• Fahimeh Shari’ati

10.22067/epk.2024.88422.1344

Abstract

In different branches of cognitive science, precise knowledge of the brain, brain circuits, changes resulting from an individual's experience, etc., there are findings about pleasure and suffering, any of which scientifically confirms and interprets part of Avicenna's views on pain and pleasure. The relativity of pain perception, the effect of mental states on it, its types, factors, obstacles, and many other findings that are also consistent with Avicenna's views all show the multi-layered-ness and complexity of the issue. Although modern science is not in a position to prove or confirm the soul, it does not tolerate the dogmatic position of eliminative monism. It is also incompatible with maximal dualism. Some of Avicenna's positions on the soul, including his views on pain and pleasure and other evidence, can to some extent provide a more appropriate interpretation of duality in his view.

Keywords

• Avicenna
• psychic passions
• pleasure
• pain
• cognitive sciences
• perception

Main Subjects

• Islamic Philosophy and Kalam

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