Critique of Marxist Philosophy Part 2

Matter and Philosophy

The above discussion related to the necessity of the efficient cause of the world in relation to matter as conceived by science. Thereafter, al-Sadr proposes to examine the question in the light of the philosophical conception of matter. By 'philosophical matter' he means the most primary matter of the world, whether or not experimental science is able to posit it. Philosophical matter is matter simpler than scientific matter and has a form. Its existence can be demonstrated philosophically.

Atomic physics posited Democritean atomism, the theory that bodies are not continuous and are composed of minute atoms. But there is a philosophical side to the Democritean theory which is rejected by philosophy. Philosophically, according to al-Sadr, the unit of matter posited by science must be continuous, for it cannot be a real unit without internal continuity.

At the same time, on account of its continuity, it should be capable of division and separation. That is, the unit must have a simple matter which is receptive to division and separation. Matter, therefore, is that which is receptive to division and separation, which are destructive of unity. Philosophically, it is not possible to conceive a unit without the receptivity to division, regardless of the ability of scientific tools and methods to affect such a division. The discovery of the so-called fundamental particles as the primary units of matter does not settle the question as to whether or not they are receptive to division.

When the philosophical conception of matter, as something composed of matter and form is understood, we know, according to al-Sadr, that philosophical matter cannot be the first cause of the world.