The discussion of refuting circular dependence and infinite regress falls into this category. The approaches they have taken to rule out infinite regress and circular dependence are likewise sound.

[In summary, circular dependence is of two kinds, and infinite regress is of two kinds]

As for circular dependence, it may mean that one thing exists only together with another, and the other exists only together with the first. This is called simultaneous, conjoint circular dependence.

It may also mean that one thing exists only after another, and the other exists only after the first, and so forth. This is successive circular dependence.

The first kind is possible, as with correlative relations such as sonship and fatherhood, or two effects of a single cause, and all other inseparably connected things, neither of which exists without the other. Examples include the inseparably connected attributes of the Creator—glory be to Him—and His attributes in relation to His Essence, as well as all other conditions, things other than conditions, and other matters involving a condition and that which is subject to it.

The second kind, however, is impossible. If one thing exists only after another, and the other exists only after the first, it follows that the latter must exist before the former, and the former before the latter. Each would therefore exist before it exists, which would entail