Don't Think for Yourself: Authority and Belief in Medieval Philosophy

This book explores the medieval philosophical thought that addresses the question of whether to follow the views of experts or form independent views. It highlights the distinction between taqlīd, the uncritical acceptance of authority, and ijtihād, the judgment based on independent effort. It demonstrates how the Islamic tradition develops a "justified taqlīd" by developing the skills to critically and selectively follow an authority based on their reliability. The book reconfigures our understanding of the relation between authority and independent thought in the medieval world by exploring how women asserted their intellectual authority, how medieval writers evaluated the authoritative status of Plato and Aristotle, and how independent reasoning was deployed to defend one Abrahamic faith against the other.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 26 February 2024
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

In this captivating exploration into the realms of philosophy and epistemology, Peter Adamson delves into the timeless question: When and how should we seek the guidance of experts in forming our own beliefs? He invites us to reevaluate our approach by reclaiming the rich intellectual and cultural traditions of the Islamic world, the Byzantine Empire, and Latin Christendom.

Adamson begins by highlighting the crucial distinction in Islamic philosophy between taqlīd, the uncritical acceptance of authority, and ijtihād, the exercise of independent judgment. The latter was highly esteemed in Islamic law, theology, and philosophy during the medieval era. He then showcases how the Islamic tradition lays the foundation for the development of a "justified taqlīd," where individuals acquire the skills to critically evaluate and selectively follow authorities based on their reliability.

The book proceeds to reshape our understanding of the interplay between authority and independent thought in the medieval world. Through meticulous research, Adamson illuminates how women carved out spaces for their intellectual authority, how medieval writers assessed the authoritative status of Plato and Aristotle, and how independent reasoning was employed to defend one Abrahamic faith against the other.

Written in a clear and eloquent style, this book appeals to scholars and enthusiasts of medieval philosophy, Islamic studies, Byzantine studies, and the history of thought. It offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between authority and individual thought in the medieval era and beyond.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 150 x 230 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268203405