Islamic Philosophy (PDF)

Although Islamic philosophy represents one of the leading
philosophical traditions in the world, it has only recently begun
to receive the attention it deserves in the non-Islamic world. This
important text provides a concise and accessible introduction to
the major movements, thinkers and concepts within that tradition,
from the foundation of Islam to the present day.

Ever since the growth of Islam as a religious and political
movement, Muslim thinkers have sought to understand the theoretical
aspects of their faith by using philosophical concepts. Leaman
outlines this history and demonstrates that, although the
development of Islamic philosophy is closely linked with Islam
itself, its form is not essentially connected to any particular
religion, and its leading ideas and arguments are of general
philosophical significance. The author illustrates the importance
of Islamic thought within philosophy through the use of many modern
examples. He describes and contrasts the three main movements in
Islamic philosophy ? Peripatetic, Sufi and Illuminationist ? and
examines the Persian as well as the Arabic traditions. Wide
coverage is given to key aspects of Islamic philosophy, including
epistemology, ontology, politics, ethics and philosophy of
language, providing readers with a balanced view of the discipline.
The second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated
throughout, including the addition of two new chapters on recent
debates surrounding Islam's need for an enlightenment, and on the
future of Islamic philosophy.

The new edition of Islamic Philosophy will continue to be
essential reading for students and scholars of the subject, as well
as anyone wanting to learn more about one of the most significant
and influential philosophical traditions in the world today.