Averroes: On the harmony of religion and philosophy

The Spanish philosopher Ibn Rushd’s Fasl al-Maqal was written before 1180, predating Averroes’ Tahafut al-Tahafut, and like the latter is concerned with defending philosophy against the attack of Ghazali. Largely a retort to the latter’s Faisal al-tafriqa, its main argument is that Islamic law does not prohibit the study of philosophy but rather makes it a duty, if only for those with the necessary capacity. A long introduction discusses the author and his book. The translation is based on George Hourani’s edition of the text.