Research on the types...

Research on the types, features, forces related to them, as well as their relationship or lack of relationship with the nervous system, is beyond the scope of this discussion. In our own being, we see that external sense perceptions somehow remain in the mind even after sense organs cut off (their) relationship with the external world. After ignoring or forgetting them, they can once again come to mind and are reflected in the consciousness.

The same holds true for internal sense perceptions, passive conditions and other matters related to perception. Another mental activity is related to understanding general concepts which takes place due to the analysis of minor perceptions or in some other form. It is similar to making up specific concepts known as "secondary contemplative sciences" such as the meaning of existence, non-existence, wujub and imkan .

Another mental activity is about composite perceptions and development of propositions. This creates a form of unity among various concepts.

In like manner, combination of two statements under specific conditions leads to the perception of a third proposition known as "the conclusion of reasoning." At this point, it is fitting to provide a brief explanation on the propositions: Mental propositions could, in one sense, be divided into apparent and acquired ones and in another sense, into theoretical and practical propositions.

Normally, theoretical perceptions are related to "theoretical reason" and practical perceptions to "practical reason". They introduce practical reason as the power which gives order and stirs will-power. At times, it is conceived that will-power is related to practical reason or is its effect. This is while it has been proven that theoretical and practical reason are not separate faculties and that practical understanding is not substantially different from theoretical understanding.

The function of reason with regard to practical understanding is exactly the same as that of theoretical understanding. That is to say, reason perceives the relationship between action and its result just as the cause-effect relationship. When this perception turns into valid concepts with the aid of the mind's conceptualization faculty, it turns into orders issued by reason, else reason, in fact has no role other than understanding.

It does not have direct relationship with will-power, motivation and stimulation.