World of Image in Islamic Philosophy: Ibn Sina, Suhrawardi, Shahrazuri and Beyond

Islamic philosophers and theologians debated the existence of a spiritual or bodily existence after death, with the idea of a world of image proposed as a solution. L. W. C. van Lit traces the history of this idea, showing how it remained relevant for Muslim thinkers throughout the centuries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

One of the most contentious topics that divided Islamic philosophers and theologians during the Middle Ages was the question of whether human beings would have a spiritual or bodily existence after death. The concept of a world of image was proposed as a potential resolution, suggesting the existence of a realm of non-physical (imagined) bodies beyond our earthly existence. This realm could be accessed through sleep, meditation, or even after death. The idea underwent significant development over time, with notable contributions from figures such as Ibn Sina, Suhrawardi, and Shahrazuri. L. W. C. van Lit delves into the history of this concept, employing a distant reading approach to measure its transmission and demonstrating its enduring relevance for Muslim thinkers throughout the centuries, up to the present day.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474441230