Islamic Philosophy Historical Overview

Abbasid Period

Spanning from 750 to 1258, it was a time of significant cultural and intellectual flourishing in the Islamic world.

Bayt al-Hikma

The House of Wisdom in Baghdad, established by Al-Ma'mun, focused on the translation of Greek and Indian works into Arabic.

Translation Movement

A phenomenon in which many Greek philosophical and scientific texts were translated into Arabic during the Abbasid era.

Neoplatonism

A philosophical system that synthesizes ideas from Plato and other ancient philosophers, emphasizing how to live a rational and ethical life.

Falsafa

The Arabic term referring to philosophy, particularly in the context of Islamic thinkers studying Greek philosophy.

Al-Kindi

Considered the 'Philosopher of the Arabs', he was the first to attempt a comprehensive reconciliation of Greek philosophy with Islamic thought.

Ibn Rushd (Averroes)

A medieval Andalusian philosopher known for his detailed commentaries on Aristotle and for his arguments supporting the harmony of religion and philosophy.

Ghazali

An influential theologian and mystic who critiqued philosophical thought and distinguished between compatible and incompatible philosophical subjects with religion.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

A prominent philosopher and physician known for his work 'The Canon of Medicine', which became a central text in both Islamic and European medicine.

Ikhwan al-Safa'

A group of Platonic philosophers who promoted the unity of religious truth and philosophy through a range of intellectual writings.

Al-Farabi

A philosopher known as the 'Second Teacher' after Aristotle, who sought to blend philosophy and religion, particularly the teachings of Islam.

Al-Suhrawardi

The founder of Illuminationist philosophy, he emphasized the synthesis of philosophy and mysticism and was known for his philosophical works.

Hayy ibn Yaqzan

A philosophical novel by Ibn Tufayl exploring the foundations of knowledge through reason and intellect, as well as through religion.

The Canon of Medicine

A comprehensive medical encyclopedia written by Ibn Sina that served as a standard reference for centuries.