Ibn-Sina's concept of active intellect and its relevance in modern philosophy of consciousness

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept of active intellect in Ibn-Sina's philosophical system and its relevance for modern philosophy of consciousness. The structure of intellect, including potential, acting, acquired and active levels, is studied, with an emphasis on the epistemological and ontological role of active intellect. The latter is seen as universal, immaterial and eternal intelligence, serving as the source of forms and completing the process of cognition. In Ibn-Sina's model, the active intellect acts as an intermediary between individual thinking and the transcendent order of being, providing the possibility of comprehending universals and the transition from sensual perception to abstract knowledge.
A comparison is made with the key directions of modern philosophy of consciousness - theories of mental states, functionalism, and models of cognitive architecture. Despite significant differences in methodology, points of convergence in understanding the structure of thinking, abstraction processes, and mechanisms of conscious perception are identified. It is concluded that the concept of active intelligence retains its philosophical significance as a model integrating rational and transcendental principles and can be productively reinterpreted in modern philosophical and interdisciplinary discussions.