Averroes (Ibn Rushd): His Life, Work and Influence

by Majid Fakhry

This stimulating book covers all area of the twelfth century Muslim philosopher's life from his transmission of Aristotelian thought to the Western world, to his conflict with the Ash'arite theologians.

Genres: Philosophy, Biography, Islam, History, Religion, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Majid Fakhry is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. He has been a lecturer in philosophy in Lebanon and the UK, as well as in the US. His publications include A History of Islamic Philosophy, Ethical Theories in Islam and Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism: A Short Introduction.

Reviews

[Hamdanil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Medieval philosophy is hard, especially because back then a lot of people had theories that we now know are so far off the mark. But people did it anyway because for them it was the best they had to explain their world. However, (IMO) his book failed to show, to a modern reader, that Averroes did what made sense at his time. Rather, the book explained Averroes' theories with more historical philosophy, e.g. that of Aristotle, which makes the whole thing even more obscure. Probably a better approach would be to use examples or illustrations to help modern readers make sense of it all, but no such luck in this book. On the plus side, the book is quite thorough in terms of topic covered, isn't that long and the author is a major expert. And also, it's hard to find materials about Averroes that isn't hard to read.

[Soroush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to Averroes and his philosophy. To get the most out of this book, and to appreciate Averroes's works, a basic understanding of Aristotelian philosophy, and philosophy in general, may be necessary. Without some knowledge of philosophy, some parts of this book may seem incomprehensible. This book covers a wide range of philosophical topics from Averroes's perspective.

[Henry Manampiring · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't finish this. Too difficult for beginners.

[Einschrein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently someone told me the Muslims/Arabs have contributed nothing to the world - I suggested he read this book (and any history of the world - especially those from the about the sixth century onward).

[Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome introduction to the life and works of Ibn Rushd.

[Obinpercussion]

Awesome introduction to the life and works of Ibn Rusyd (Avverous)..