Islamic Philosophy

A Beginner's Guide

Majid Fakhry

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Year: 2009
• eBook ISBN: 9781780740300
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Medieval & Renaissance Philosophy

A comprehensive examination of the struggle to reconcile philosophy and Islam.

From the introduction of Greek Philosophy into the Muslim world in the eighth century, right through to modern times, Majid Fakhry charts the evolution and interaction of philosophy, theology, and mysticism in the Islamic context. Highlighting key individuals, movements, concepts and writings, Fakhry also explores the conflicts and controversies between anti and pro-philosophical parties that have characterised the development of Islamic thought. This book also features coverage of: the translation of ancient texts and their transmission to the Muslim world; the development of a systematic philosophy in Islam; theology, mysticism and the development of Sufism; Islam's interaction with western philosophy and theology; and, contemporary trends.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• 1. The transmission of ancient philosophy and science
• 2. Early religious and political conflicts
• 3. The dawn of systematic philosophy and free thought in the ninth century
• 4. Neoplatonism and Neopythagoreanism in the tenth and eleventh centuries
• 5. Interactions of philosophy and dogma
• 6. Philosophy and mysticism
• 7. The resurgence of Peripatetic philosophy in al-Andalus
• 8. The progress of anti-rationalism and the onset of decline
• 9. Illuminationism (Ishrq) and the reconciliation of Neoplatonism and Sufism
• 10. Modern and contemporary trends
• Conclusion
• Appendix 1: the chief philosophical translations
• Appendix 2: leading Mu‘tazilite scholars
• Notes
• Select bibliography
• Index