Ebook: Al-Farabi, Founder of Islamic Neoplatonism: His Life, Works and Influence

A distinguished philosopher, a sophisticated scientist and a talented musician: the many achievements of the tenth-century Islamic thinker al-Farabi are carefully documented in this substantial new introduction to his life and works.

Credited with introducing Neoplatonism to the Muslim world, al-Farabi is also acknowledged as the first great system builder of Islamic philosophy. His pivotal influence, not only on Islamic thought but also on western philosophy generally, is reflected in this stimulating study, which includes a survey of al-Farabi’s influence on such major figures as al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina and Moses Maimonides. Other key ideas covered include:

* al-Farabi’s transmission of Ancient Greek philosophy to the Islamic world

* al-Farabi as the first Islamic logician

* the pre-Renaissance Renaissance man: cosmology, metaphysics and music

Also featuring a detailed bibliography of primary and secondary sources, this text will be welcomed by all those seeking to learn more about al-Farabi and his diverse accomplishments.

MAJID FAKHRY is Emeritus Professor at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He has also taught philosophy in Lebanon and the UK, and his publications include: 'Averroes: His Life, Works and Influence', 'Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism: A Short Introduction', and 'The Qur'an: A Modern English Version', plus a large number of scholarly works in Arabic.