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.
A philosophical paper compares Sadra's theory of the soul's bodily origination with contemporary emergentism in the philosophy of mind. It distinguishes strong from weak emergentism and reviews physicalist challenges to the strong version. The author then examines Sadra's account of the soul's occurrence and its ranks, finding similarities and differences with strong emergentism. Most objections to strong emergentism are argued to be reformable from Sadra's perspective. The paper also critiques Sadraian explanations of mind-body connection as insufficient to satisfy physicalist objections, concluding that Sadra's philosophy of mind requires further development.