The Tawatur in Mystical Experiences; Formulation and Challenges
حکمت صدرایی September 13, 2024 Ahmad Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad Mahdi Gorjian
A proposed solution for validating mystical experiences for non-mystics relies on their frequency (tawatur): when many mystics independently report similar experiences, those claims may be considered credible. This approach, considered in Mulla Sadra's philosophy after Suhrawardi, has not been fully examined in recent philosophy of mysticism and religion. The article logically formulates the solution in six stages: examining the inherent validity of mystical experiences for the mystic, establishing the possibility of sharing such experiences, proving that sharing occurs through an effective cause without obstacles, demonstrating tawatur with necessary and sufficient conditions, discussing the authenticity of tawatur, and showing its effectiveness in generalizing mystical experiences. If a claim passes all stages, it can be valid for non-mystics.