Conceptual Contradictions and Extensional Voidances in the Rule of Oneness or Al-wahid (Emphasizing upon Mohaqqiq-e Tusi's Statements)

As same as many other philosophical principles, the rule of al-Wahid have been subjected to a great criticism and cavil by scholars and authorities throughout ages. This rule has, despite the celebrated point of view, been challenged by not only the theologians but also some philosophers and mystics as well– at least, in the extensional aspects. Having taken the background of this rule into consideration and the purpose of philosophers who had in presenting it, this article has endeavored to analyze the prominent statements regarding the rule of al-Wahid and also point out each of their main presumptions in order to show that the expositions made by Muhaqiq-Tusi are the most comprehensive comparing to those scholars before or even after him; other statements presented by other authorities contain specific ambiguities in regard to al-Wahid on the effect side. Therefore, thanks to the more accurate expositions provided by Khajeh and the resolution of the ambiguity, the conceptual contradictions involved in the rule mentioned above due to the formation based on the principle of the resemblance become evident. Presuming that the rule of al-Wahid is theoretically accurate, the author has analyzed the extensional criticisms made by some thinkers in regard to this philosophical principle. Thus, it has been shown that the rule of al-Wahid lacks outer extensions in terms of compatibility with the external world regarding the principle of resemblance, unity on the causal side, unity on the effect side, and the concept of emanation.