The Place of Art and Aesthetics in the Thoughts of Avicenna and Suhrawardi with Emphasis on Safavid Art

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Doctoral student of Philosophy of Art, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD in Philosophy of Art, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/ias.2021.300981.1701

Abstract

The concept of beauty is undoubtedly one of the most fundamental aspects of art. Numerous philosophers and scientists throughout the history of philosophy have perceived the concept of beauty and expressed their notions, which according to the intellectual foundations of each philosopher, various theories have emerged about this category. Beauty was also considered by Islamic philosophers and sages from the very first days when philosophical thought became popular among Muslims. This attention, which on the one hand was due to the religious view of Islam and the religious principles of Muslims, and on the other hand was due to their philosophical perceptions of the works of Plato, Aristotle and Plotinus, created specific views in a beautiful sense. Peripatetic and Enlightenment thought along with the ideas of the two great philosophers Avicenna and Suhrawardi are the most significant philosophical schools in Iran and the Islamic world.
The present research has been accomplished by descriptive and analytical methods and relying on the data of library resources. The research findings indicate that these philosophers, along with all the general philosophical issues and questions, also had ideas and views regarding aesthethics. Their thoughts on art and aesthetics can be deduced from the explanation of the place of imagination and memory, and from the heart of mystery and mystic-poetry and literature. Suhrawardi's philosophy of light and Avicenna's aesthetics can be seen in a number of Islamic artworks, including art of the Safavid period (1355-1907 AH). Iranian art experienced one of its glorious eras during the Safavid period, and religious and mystical concepts played a pivotal role.

 Research aims:
1. A study of art and aesthetics in the thought of Avicenna and Suhrawardi.
2. A recognition of the replication of the effects of art and aesthetics of Avicenna and Suhrawardi's thought in the arts of the Safavid period.

Research questions:
1. What are the ultimate cause of art in the perspective of Avicenna and Suhrawardi?
2. How are the ideas of art and aesthetics of Avicenna and Suhrawardi reflected in the arts of the Safavid period?

Keywords

References

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Islamic Art Studies
Volume 18, Issue 42 - Serial Number 42
February 2021
Pages 283-296

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