Gradation (Tashkīk) in Three Schools of Islamic Philosophy

The literal meaning of “gradation”, the reason for its denomination, and its technical meaning in logic and philosophy are the requirements for a discussion on this concept. This article deals, in its first part, with the issue of the beginning of such an idea in philosophy, and its relation to the field of logic. Since each one of the three major schools of Islamic philosophy had their share in the development and evolution of this term, the author then turns to a discussion of their unique impact on the progress and the maturity of this subject. Critically analyzing each theory, the author tries to come up with an acceptable idea, and brings forward his reasons to support his choice.