Averroes on Intellect: From Aristotelian Origins to Aquinas' Critique

Averroes' On Intellect examines the philosopher's unicity thesis, which argues that there is only one separate and eternal intellect for all human beings. Stephen Ogden defends Averroes' interpretation of Aristotle's De Anima using various sources and reconstructs his independent philosophical arguments. He also considers alternative views and addresses Aquinas' arguments against the thesis. The book aims to provide a comprehensive study of Averroes' arguments and offer a case for his unicity thesis in Aristotelian epistemology and metaphysics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Averroes' On Intellect delves into the intricate examination of the renowned Muslim philosopher Averroes (Ibn Rushd) and his controversial unicity thesis, which asserts that all human beings possess a singular, eternal intellect. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Averroes' arguments, drawing from both the text of Aristotle's De Anima and his own philosophical insights in the Long Commentary on the De Anima. In his defense of Averroes' interpretation of De Anima, Stephen Ogden employs a diverse range of sources, including Greek, Arabic, Latin, and contemporary materials. However, Ogden goes beyond merely describing Averroes as a commentator and recognizes him as a profound philosopher in his own right. Consequently, the author reconstructs and analyzes Averroes' two most significant independent philosophical arguments: the Determinate Particular Argument and the Unity Argument. Throughout the book, alternative ancient and medieval perspectives are considered, particularly from two influential figures before and after Averroes: Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas' renowned arguments against the unicity thesis are addressed in depth, offering a comprehensive examination of his objections. Moreover, Ogden explores Averroes' own reservations towards broader metaphysical views of the soul, such as those proposed by Avicenna and Aquinas, which share certain key points with Averroes, including the immateriality of the intellect and the individuation of human souls by matter. However, they diverge in their understanding of the number and substantial nature of the intellect.

The primary objective of this book is to present readers with a comprehensive study of Averroes' most pivotal arguments on intellect. By consolidating and building upon recent scholarship, it offers a robust case for Averroes' unicity thesis within the broader framework of Aristotelian epistemology and metaphysics. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful exploration, Averroes' On Intellect provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the nature of the intellect and its significance in the philosophical tradition.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192896117