An Introduction to Classical Islamic PhilosophyIslamic philosophy is a unique and fascinating form of thought, and particular interest lies in its classical (Greek-influenced) period, when many of the ideas of Greek philosophy were used to explore the issues and theoretical problems which arise in trying to understand the Qur'an and Islamic practice. In this revised and expanded 2001 edition of his classic introductory work, Oliver Leaman examines the distinctive features of Classical Islamic philosophy and offers detailed accounts of major individual thinkers. In contrast to many previous studies that have treated this subject as only of historical interest, he offers analysis of the key arguments within Islamic philosophy so that the reader can engage with them and assess their strengths and weaknesses. His book will interest a wide range of readers in philosophy, religious studies and Islamic studies. |
Contents
ALGHAZĀLĪS ATTACK ON PHILOSOPHY | 41 |
Immortality and the active intellect | 107 |
Can God know particulars? | 130 |
Are the ethics of religion objective or subjective? | 147 |
Happiness philosophy and society | 174 |
How to read Islamic philosophy | 191 |
Further reading | 237 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
abstract accept active intellect actual agent intellect al-Fārābī al-Farabi's al-Ghazālī Alexander of Aphrodisias appropriate Arabic argues argument Aristotelian Aristotle Aristotle's Ash'arites aspects Averroes Avicenna belief body bring causal cause claims commentary concepts contingent creation ex nihilo creatures demonstrative dialectical discussion distinction divine doctrine emanation esoteric interpretation essence eternal ethical everything example existence falāsifa falsafa God's knowledge Greek Greek philosophy happiness Hourani human ibn Rushd Ibn Sīnā idea imagination important impossible individual infinite intelligence interesting Islamic philosophy Islamic world kalām logic Maimonides material intellect matter means metaphysics miracles moral Mu'tazilites Muslim mysticism nature necessarily necessary Neoplatonic notion objects opinions particular perfection Plato possible premisses principles problem prophecy prophet Qur'an rational reason regarded religious revelation sense shari'a sort soul spheres Strauss Sufism suggests theologians theological theoretical theory things thinkers thought tradition trans truth understand universe wujud