CultureAugust 26, 2026

illuminationist

ih-LOO-muh-NAY-shun-ist

Definition

Relating to a school of Islamic philosophy that emphasizes intuitive, spiritual, or mystical insight and direct knowledge of reality over purely rational or logical inquiry.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'illuminare' (to light up or brighten). In philosophical contexts, it refers to the belief that truth is revealed through divine or mystical light rather than solely through sensory experience or reason.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a specific school of Persian philosophy developed by Suhrawardi that engaged with and expanded upon Ibn Sina's earlier metaphysical work.

Reclaiming ‘Avicenna’: Islamic theology and Eastern wisdom behind Ibn Sina’s philosophy and metaphysics

Read the full article ↗

PressTV

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