A Review of the Relationship between Knowledge (theory) and Practice in Sohrevardi's Illuminationist Philosophy, based on Pierre Hadot's model of Philosophy as a Way of Life

Abstract

Pierre Hadot (1922-2010), a contemporary French philosopher, illustrated the dynamics and essence of philosophy in a philosopher's everyday life by offering the model of philosophy as a way of life, which was the result of many years of research on ancient philosophy. Using this philosophical model (philosophy as a way of life), the present paper studies the relationship between knowledge (theory) and practice in Illuminationist Philosophy. Philosophical discourse is one of the important components of this model. According to Hadot, the value of discourse (theoretical philosophy) in philosophical schools lies in the service it provides to improve the quality of life and man's function and behaviour. Sohrevardi also puts emphasis on the importance of theoretical (discussive) philosophy as the prelude and guide in choosing the Illuminationist way of life. Thus, the paper first studies the status of discourse (philosophical theories) in ancient philosophical schools to provide a clear picture of the relationship between discourse (theory) and practice in philosophical schools using the model of philosophy as a way of life, and then addresses Hodot's view about this relationship. Finally, it studies the importance of discourse (theory - -discussive philosophy) in Sohrevardi's Illuminationist Philosophy and its application as a necessary prelude to enter into and choose an illuminationist life; to lead the Illuminationist wayfarer in the way of life; and to understand and acquire practical reason.