Contextualizing Premodern Philosophy: Explorations of the Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin Traditions

This volume brings together contributions from distinguished scholars in the history of philosophy, focusing on points of interaction between discrete historical contexts, religions, and cultures found within the premodern period. It highlights the shared textual roots of premodern philosophy in antiquity, particularly the writings of Plato and Aristotle, and emphasizes the fascinating interplay between the Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin philosophical traditions. The contributors cover a wide range of topics, including the aims of Aristotle's cosmos, the adoption of Aristotle's Organon by al-Fārābī, the origins of the Plotiniana Arabica, the role of Ibn Gabirol's Fons vitae in the Latin West, Roger Bacon's adaptation of Avicenna for use in his moral philosophy, and more. The volume demonstrates an appreciation for the rich diversity of thought found in the premodern period and raises methodological challenges for the historical study of premodern philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume brings together esteemed scholars from various fields, including the history of philosophy, to explore the intricate connections between discrete historical contexts, religions, and cultures during the premodern period. The contributions span from antiquity to the Middle Ages, encompassing philosophers from the three major monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. By highlighting the shared textual roots of premodern philosophy in antiquity, particularly the works of Plato and Aristotle, the volume emphasizes the points of cross-pollination between different schools, cultures, and moments in premodern thought. The editors have organized the volume in a way that facilitates an accessible understanding of the complex history of the premodern world, while simultaneously emphasizing the challenges and rewards of studying this period.

The contributors to this volume cover a wide range of topics, ranging from the aims of Aristotle's cosmos to the adoption of Aristotle's Organon by al-Fārābī, the origins of the Plotiniana Arabica, the role of Ibn Gabirol's Fons vitae in the Latin West, the influence of Islamic philosophy on thirteenth-century Latin conceptions of light, Roger Bacon's adaptation of Avicenna for use in his moral philosophy, and many other fascinating subjects. Through their source-based contextualism, the contributors demonstrate an appreciation for the rich diversity of thought found in the premodern period, while also raising methodological challenges associated with the historical study of premodern philosophy.

This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars and advanced students engaged in the study of premodern philosophy. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various philosophical traditions and their interactions, shedding light on the complex web of ideas and influences that shaped the premodern world. By exploring these connections, the volume contributes to our understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which premodern philosophy developed and offers insights into the enduring philosophical questions that continue to resonate today.

Weight: 1152g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032314686