Pleasure and the Meaning of Life According to Ibn Sina's Viewpoint
Abstract
Applying analytical and descriptive approaches, this inquiry reveals the relationship between the meaning of life and the role of pleasure in achieving it Ibn Sina presents well-being as something which is desired for- itself and end for-itself and believes that well-being is a necessary and sufficient condition for a meaningful life. In his view, there is a deep relation between meaning and pleasure. Pleasure is the direct and innate perception of individual perceptual faculty to what in his/her view is good and perfect. The Ibn Sina’s psychology has a direct impact on well-being and pleasure topics. He, in regarding perceptual faculty of the psyche, intends different levels for well-being and pleasure which among them, intellectual or spiritual pleasures has a more important role to achieve meaning. Moreover, between psyche faculties, only the intellectual or spiritual faculty is immortal. This faculty, also, determines the ultimate well-being and pleasure in the hereafter. Ibn Sina seemingly believes that intellectual or spiritual pleasure is a necessary and sufficient condition for achieving meaning. Thus, looking for intellectual pleasures is the same as seeking well-being and meaning of life.