Al-Kindi’s “The Real One”: Considerations of a mathematician or of a metaphysician?

The aim of the article is to analyze Al-Kindi’s concept of the True (Essential) One and certain additional issues, also taking into account the influence on his position from both classical philosophy and source texts of Islam. In the opening part of the article, Al-Kindi’s innovative approach to the application of mathematics in research in other areas of knowledge is discussed. In the next part, attention is devoted to the classification of science, as well as to the purpose of practicing metaphysics, which is to seek answers to questions about the first, fundamental causes. Subsequently, the question of how to predicate on unity and multiplicity is raised. In the following parts of the article, The Real Unity (its characteristics and way of existence) is analyzed, as well as the influence of the Qur’an and traditional Islamic theology on the position of Al-Kindi. The considerations lead to the conclusion that Al-Kindi undoubtedly “mathematized philosophy”, and especially metaphysics. Moreover, in his view, the unity in things cannot cause things to exist; the cause must “come from outside”. Such a statement is a sort of (indirect) argument in favor of the theistic thesis and creationism, which leads to the recognition of Al-Kindi as both a philosopher and a philosophical apologist of the religious tradition