Al-Kindi's Metaphysics
A Translation of Ya'qub ibn Ishaq al-kindi's Treatise "On First Philosophy"
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A translation and commentary on al-Kindi's “On First Philosophy,” a seminal work of early Islamic thought.
Description
Al-Kindi emerges as a philosopher who attempted to present, interpret, and supplement past philosophies as parts of an essentially unified tradition that would make for a viable philosophy in Islamic society. He assumes a place at or near the beginning of a philosophical current—based on transmission of studies from late Greek thought—that remained vital in the Islamic world for several centuries. Alfred L. Ivry presents a reevaluation of al-Kindi's relationships with the powerful group of theologians, Muʿtazilah. The commentary defines and interprets terms used by al-Kindi, identifies original Arabic and Greek sources, and analyzes the most recent critical research related to each allusion. Complete bibliography and index of Aristotelian sources.
Alfred L. Ivry is Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at New York University.