The Methodology of Transcendental Philosophy

Transcendental Philosophy might be understood in two ways: first, as referring to metaphysics in general, and secondly as a school of philosophy treating philosophical issues through its unique methodology. This study focuses on the methodology of the Transcendental philosophy as explained by uadr al-Muta’alihīn, and its critiques. Obviously, following this methodology leads to consequences different from those of the Peripatetic philosophy, theology, and apologetics. There are even some differences between them and what illuminationist and gnostic methodologies produce. The methodology of Transcendental philosophy has two aspects: negative and affirmative. The insufficiency of reason to understand all facts, the inefficiency of gnosis to access all realities, and the vulnerability of Sharī‘at in the face of superficial and shallow interpretations shape its negative side. The affirmative facet, however, includes elaborating on the role of reason and gnostic intuition, the quality of their fusion, and the function of Sharī‘at on the crest of the two as an emender, ratifier, and equalizer in their way to the discovery of truth.Transcendental philosophy does not consider mere acquisition of a set of concepts, technical terms, and subjective statements as the aim of education, but rather, the goal is seen as attainting that kind of knowledge which accompanies the spiritual perfection of its subject. The methodology of this school enjoys a firm epistemological base, though suffers from some deficiencies.