The Theory of copulative and non - copulative existence was propounded by Sadr al - Muta’allihin to the world of philosophy that brought in its wake a profound change in most philosophical issues. Indeed, this theory was one of the innovative theories of Mull Sadr that enjoyed particular importance. But it must be noted that before dealing with this issue we should find what the contribution of earlier philosophers to this theory was, and whether Mull? Sad?r posed this theory without any background or, like other philosophical issues, it stemmed from synthesis of the schools of Peripatetics, Illuminationist, Gnostic intution and unveiling, and Qur’?nic teachings. It seems that it is difficult to find a philosophical or scientific phenomena without having and background. Many factors may he involved in the emergence of a new scientific or philosophical theory. One of these theories is that of copulative and non - copulative existence. The author of this article traces the background of this theory with a synoptic eye in order to reveal the contribution of others, particularly that of Mu1l? Sadr?. In this historical approach the author to explores the views of great philosophers such as F?r?bi, Ibn sin? , Suhrawardi, and some other gnostics.
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