Plotinus, whom al-Farabi closely follows, acknowledges that the One generates Intellect through a kind of self-overflowing, implying some internal productivity or potency.

Key Terms

knowledge(Distinguished from mere true belief, which may be the product of indoctrination and need not exercise deliberative capacities.)

Justified true belief — true belief that has been arrived at through the exercise of deliberative capacities, including comparison of and deliberation among alternatives.