Alfarabi and the Foundation of Islamic Political Philosophy
Book Description
Through four decades of meticulous scholarship, Muhsin Mahdi unveils the profound intellectual legacy of Alfarabi, a pivotal figure who established the very foundations of Islamic political philosophy. This authoritative work reveals how one brilliant thinker sought to bridge the worlds of revealed religion and classical philosophical tradition, creating a framework that would influence centuries of Islamic thought.
Mahdi's exploration begins by mapping the rich landscape of Islamic philosophy and its historical context, providing readers with essential background for understanding the complex interplay between philosophy, political thought, theology, and jurisprudence in medieval Islam. The author then guides us through Alfarabi's revolutionary concept of "the virtuous city," where philosophy emerges as a distinct discipline, separate from both empirical science and religious doctrine.
Drawing upon previously unknown writings that Mahdi himself brought to light from medieval bibliographical references, this study presents Alfarabi as his contemporaries would have understood him: a visionary philosopher working to establish new foundations for comprehending the relationship between divine revelation and human reason. The work culminates in an examination of Alfarabi's trilogy, the Philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, which serves as the key to unlocking his political philosophy.
For those seeking to understand how spiritual wisdom and practical governance intersect, this scholarly yet accessible work offers profound insights into the intellectual foundations that continue to shape Islamic thought today.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 240 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Et Aristote
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Filosofia polÃtica
- ✓ Explore Philosophie et religion
- ✓ Explore Philosophie islamique
- ✓ Explore Political science, philosophy
- ✓ Explore Islamische Philosophie
- ✓ Explore Politische Philosophie
