Ibn Rushd

The twelfth-century philosopher Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes, is one of the most important philosophers of the Arab Middle Ages. He played a crucial role in the transmission of classical philosophy to Islam, and his work had a profound influence on western scholasticism and on aspects of Renaissance thought. This concise yet comprehensive introduction to the work of Ibn Rushd should be specially valuable to students of philosophy and Arab studies. Going well beyond the Eurocentrist view which sees Ibn Rushd as little more than an intermediary between Aristotle and the scholastics, it explores the main elements of his thought against the historical and cultural background of Muslim Spain. Professor Dominique Urvoy, a specialist in the intellectual history of Muslim Spain, gives a full account of Ibn Rushd’s most important works, looking in particular at the roots of his thought. He shows that Ibn Rushd’s work formed part of the wider movement of Almohadism, a politico-religious reform movement which had a great intellectual impact in Muslim Spain. The range of his writings is emphasized, and his scientific, medical and legal writings are discussed as well as his philosophical works. This book should be of interest to students of philosophy and Middle Eastern studies.