Al-Farabi, Founder of Islamic Neoplatonism: His Life, Works, and Influence (Great Islamic Thinkers)

A distinguished philosopher, a sophisticated scientist and a talented musician: the many achievements of the tenth-century Islamic thinker al-Farabi are carefully documented in this substantial new introduction to his life and works. Credited with introducing Neoplatonism to the Muslim world, al-Farabi is also acknowledged as the first great system builder of Islamic philosophy. His pivotal influence, not only on Islamic thought but also on western philosophy generally, is reflected in this stimulating study, which includes a survey of al-Farabi’s influence on such major figures as al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina and Moses Maimonides. Other key ideas covered include: \* al-Farabi’s transmission of Ancient Greek philosophy to the Islamic world \* al-Farabi as the first Islamic logician \* the pre-Renaissance Renaissance man: cosmology, metaphysics and music Also featuring a detailed bibliography of primary and secondary sources, this text will be welcomed by all those seeking to learn more about al-Farabi and his diverse accomplishments. MAJID FAKHRY is Emeritus Professor at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He has also taught philosophy in Lebanon and the UK, and his publications include: 'Averroes: His Life, Works and Influence', 'Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism: A Short Introduction', and 'The Qur'an: A Modern English Version', plus a large number of scholarly works in Arabic. Cover Half title Imprint Contents Preface Introduction 1 Life and Works 2 Al-Farabi and the Greek Legacy The genesis of philosophy Philosophy and religion Presocratics, stoics and peripatetics Plato and his philosophy The philosophy of Aristotle The harmony of Plato and Aristotle 3 The Classification of the Sciences The interrelation of the sciences Logic and mathematics Physics and metaphysics Ethics and politics The Islamic sciences 4 Al-Farabi as Logician The logical corpus The analysis of logical terms The demonstrative art Rhetoric and poetics 5 Theory of Knowledge The nature of scientific knowledge The various senses of the term, ‘intellect’ ( ‘aql) The Active Intellect 6 Emanation versus Creation The Neoplationic legacy The nature of the First Being or the One The intellect, as the first emanation The heavenly bodies The material world The human soul and its faculties Prophecy and the imaginative faculty 7 Ethical Theory The attainment of happiness The moral virtues and their acquisition Evil and not-being Justice and friendship 8 Political Theory The principles of political association The master organ and the master ruler (ra’ıs) The qualifications of the chief ruler (ra’ıs) The virtuous city The non-virtuous cities The outgrowths (nawabit) as a hybrid class Lawlessness and discord Political justice and religious piety The fate of the soul after death 9 Al-Farabi and Music 10 Al-Farabi in History The triumph of Neoplatonism Al-Farabi’s philosophical legacy Al-Ghazali’s onslaught on al-Farabi and Ibn Sına Ibn Bajjah and the Andalusian interlude Ibn Rushd (Averroes) Neoplatonism and Sufism Al-Farabi and the West Conclusion Appendix Bibliography Index "A distinguished philosopher, a sophisticated scientist and a talented musician: the many achievements of the tenth-century Islamic thinker al-Farabi are carefully documented in this substantial new introduction to his life and works." "Credited with introducing Neoplatonism to the Muslim world, al-Farabi is also acknowledged as the first great system builder of Islamic philosophy. His pivotal influence, not only on Islamic thought but also on western philosophy generally, is reflected in this stimulating study, which includes a survey of al-Farabi's influences on such major figures as al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina and Moses Maimonides."--BOOK JACKET Life And Works -- Al-fārābi And The Greek Legacy -- The Classification Of The Sciences -- Al-fārābi As Logician -- Theory Of Knowledge -- Emanation Versus Creation -- Ethical Theory -- Political Theory -- Al-fārābi And Music -- Al-fārābi In History. Majid Fakhry. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [161]-165) And Index. The only comprehensive introduction to al-Farabi - the first Islamic philosopher to translate the works of Plato and Aristotle. This new survey from a leading scholar documents the philosopher's life, writings and achievements. A comprehensive introduction to al-Farabi - the first Islamic philosopher to translate the works of Plato and Aristotle.