Avicennas Proof of Prime Matter in the Isharat

Avicenna proves that body consists of the combination of matter and corporeal form using an argument that starts from body s continuity and susceptibility to discontinuity. We shall only consider here the proof as it appears in Chapter i of the Physics and Metaphysics of the Isharat, titled On the reality of bodies (Ji tajawhur al-aJsdm)P The proof is preceded by five passages, which make the following points Isharat II.1.1-5)  

Avicenna, first of all, refutes the belief held by some people that bodies consist of indivisible parts (Juz ), a clear reference to the standard classical kaldm atomism taught in Basran Mu tazilism and Ash arism.  

19 On rendering tajawhur as reality (haqiqa), as opposed to substantiality , see al-RazI, Shark, 2,3-4. On the versions that appear in the Shtfd and the Ncydt, and on hoiv the Ishdrdt argument relates to them, see Shihadeh, Avicenna s Corporeal Form and Proof of Prime Matter . 

20 Avicenna, Ishdrdt, 2,152-157. On this strand of atomism, see Dhanani, Physical Theory. 

He then refutes the behef held by other people that bodies consist of infinitely divisible parts, which is the theory attributed to the early Mu tazili al-Nazzam (d. 220-23o/835-845).2i 

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