The Philosophical Works of al-Kindi (Studies in Islamic Philosophy)

This volume renders into English the philosophical writings of the first philosopher of Islam: al-Kindi, known as the "Philosopher of the Arabs." One of the greatest figures of medieval philosophy, al-Kindi initiated the process of integrating Greek philosophical ideas into Islamic culture. He was deeply involved in the translation of Greek philosophy and science into Arabic, and wrote on a wide range of philosophical and scientific topics including metaphysics, theology, psychology, cosmology, ethics, and medicine. In these works al-Kindi sets out pioneering ideas about the relation of philosophy to religion, the oneness and providence of God, the nature of the human soul, the structure of the cosmos, and the eternity of the world. This book makes the whole of al-Kindi's philosophical corpus-some two dozen works-available in English, most of them for the first time. Extensive explanatory material is provided, in the form of an overall introduction, introductions to each work, and extensive notes. The translations are based largely on Arabic original texts, but in a few cases on medieval Latin versions where the Arabic originals are lost. The volume will thus give a wide readership unprecedented access to al-Kindi's philosophical and scientific ideas. --It is the first translation of al-Kindi's philosophical writings into English; only a handful of the two dozen works included had been translated into English before, and some of these were not easy to get hold of. Some others had been translated into other modern languages, but again these were not necessarily easy to find. And certainly this is the first opportunity to see all of al-Kindi's work in one place in any European language. --Adamson has already written a monograph on the thought of al-Kind? (also published by OUP in the Great Medieval Thinkers series). This monograph, together with the abundant supporting material in the present volume, should help to make al-Kindi's thought comprehensible and interesting to a wider public. --Because al-Kindi is the first philosopher in the Islamic world, he is of obvious historical importance, and he is an influential thinker who needs to be read carefully to understand the background of such famous authors as al-Farabi and Avicenna. --Al-Kindi's ideas on many topics are of philosophical, as well as historical importance: for instance he has novel and fascinating discussions of God's unity, the eternity of the world, soul's relation to body, divine providence, ethics, and the nature of knowledge. --Not only is this the first comprehensive English version of al-Kindi's works; it is in fact the first such collection devoted to any philosopher who wrote in Arabic. So this is an unprecedented opportunity for readers to see the entire output of a major thinker from this tradition in the round, with all aspects of his thought gathered together in one place. This volume presents the philosophical writings of al-Kindi, known as the 'Philosopher of the Arabs'. Acknowledged as the first philosopher of the Arabic tradition, al-Kindi helped usher the ideas of Greek thinkers and scientists into the vibrant context of the Islamic culture of his day. He was deeply involved in the translation and reception of such thinkers as Socrates, Aristotle, Plotinus, and Euclid. Drawing on this Hellenic heritage, he wrote on a wide range of philosophical and scientific topics including metaphysics, theology, psychology, cosmology, ethics, and medicine. In these works, al-Kindi set out pioneering ideas about the relation of philosophy to religion, the oneness and providence of God, the nature of the human soul, the structure of the cosmos, and the eternity of the world. This book makes the whole of al-Kind?'s philosophical corpus-some two dozen works-available in English, most of them for the first time. Extensive explanatory material is provided, in the form of an overall introduction, introductions to each work, and extensive notes. The translations are based largely on Arabic original texts, but in a few cases, where the Arabic originals are lost, on Medieval Latin versions. The volume will thus give a wide readership unprecedented access to al-Kindi's philosophical and scientific ideas. Edited by Peter E. Pormann, Professor of Classics and Graeco-Arabic Studies, University of Manchester, and Peter Adamson, Professor of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, King's College, London. Publisher's note This Volume Presents The Philosophical Writings Of Al-kindī, Known As The 'philosopher Of The Arabs'. Acknowledged As The First Philosopher Of The Arabic Tradition, Al-kindī Helped Usher The Ideas Of Greek Thinkers And Scientists Into The Vibrant Context Of The Islamic Culture Of His Day. He Was Deeply Involved In The Translation And Reception Of Such Thinkers As Socrates, Aristotle, Plotinus, And Euclid. Drawing On This Hellenic Heritage, He Wrote On A Wide Range Of Philosophical And Scientific Topics Including Metaphysics, Theology, Psychology, Cosmology, Ethics, And Medicine. In These Works, Al-kindī Set Out Pioneering Ideas About The Relation Of Philosophy To Religion, The Oneness And Providence Of God, The Nature Of The Human Soul, The Structure Of The Cosmos, And The Eternity Of The World. This Book Makes The Whole Of Al-kindī's Philosophical Corpus-some Two Dozen Works-available In English, Most Of Them For The First Time. Extensive Explanatory Material Is Provided, In The Form Of An Overall Introduction, Introductions To Each Work, And Extensive Notes. The Translations Are Based Largely On Arabic Original Texts, But In A Few Cases, Where The Arabic Originals Are Lost, On Medieval Latin Versions. The Volume Will Thus Give A Wide Readership Unprecedented Access To Al-kindī's Philosophical And Scientific Ideas.-- On First Philosophy -- Three Texts Against The Infinity Of The World -- On The True Agent -- Against The Trinity -- On The Intellect -- On Recollection -- That There Are Incorporeal Substances -- Discourse On The Soul -- A Concise And Brief Statement About The Soul -- On The Quiddity Of Sleep And Dreams -- Two Texts On Colour -- On The Proximate, Agent Cause Of Generation And Corruption -- The Prostration Of The Outermost Body -- On The Nature Of The Celestial Sphere -- On Why The Ancients Related The Five Geometric Shapes To The Elements -- Why The Higher Atmosphere Is Cold -- On Rays -- On Dispelling Sorrows -- The Sayings Of Socrates -- On The Quantity Of Aristotle's Books -- On The Definitions And Descriptions Of Things -- On The Five Essences -- Three Fragments. [edited And Translated By] Peter Adamson And Peter E. Pormann. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 339-349) And Index.