ABSTRACT

What is Islamic Philosophy? offers a broad introduction to Islamic thought, from its origins to the many challenging issues facing Muslims in the contemporary world. The chapters explore early Islamic philosophy and trace its development through key themes and figures up to the twenty-first century.

Topics covered include:

  • ethical issues such as just war, abortion, women’s rights, homosexuality and cloning
  • questions in political philosophy regarding what kind of Islamic state could exist and how democratic can (or should) Islam really be
  • the contribution of Islam to ‘big questions’ such as the existence of God, the concept of the soul, and what constitutes truth.

This fresh and original book includes a helpful glossary and suggestions for further reading. It is ideal for students coming to the subject for the first time as well as anyone wanting to learn about the philosophical tradition and dilemmas that are part of the Islamic worldview.

chapter 1|7 pages

What is Islamic philosophy?

chapter 2|15 pages

The Greek and Persian legacy

chapter 3|18 pages

The first Muslim philosophers

chapter 5|24 pages

Faith versus reason

chapter 6|21 pages

Islam and the state

chapter 7|21 pages

Ethical dilemmas

chapter 8|19 pages

Jihad and just war theory

chapter 9|20 pages

Islam and shared moral values