1st Edition

What is Islamic Philosophy?

By Roy Jackson Copyright 2014
    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    What is Islamic Philosophy? offers a broad introduction to Islamic thought, from its origins to the many challenging issues facing Muslims in the contemporary world. The chapters explore early Islamic philosophy and trace its development through key themes and figures up to the twenty-first century.

    Topics covered include:

    • ethical issues such as just war, abortion, women’s rights, homosexuality and cloning
    • questions in political philosophy regarding what kind of Islamic state could exist and how democratic can (or should) Islam really be
    • the contribution of Islam to ‘big questions’ such as the existence of God, the concept of the soul, and what constitutes truth.

    This fresh and original book includes a helpful glossary and suggestions for further reading. It is ideal for students coming to the subject for the first time as well as anyone wanting to learn about the philosophical tradition and dilemmas that are part of the Islamic worldview.

    Preface  1. What is Islamic Philosophy?  2. The Greek and Persian Legacy  3. The First Muslim Philosophers  4. God, the Soul, and the After-life  5. Faith versus Reason  6. Islam and the State  7. Ethical Dilemmas  8. Jihad and Just War Theory  9. Islam and Shared Moral Values.  Appendix I: List of Names.  Appendix II: Glossary of Terms.  Bibliography.

    Biography

    Roy Jackson is Reader in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. He has many years’ experience of lecturing in Philosophy and Religion at a number of universities. His books include Fifty Key Figures in Islam (2006), Nietzsche and Islam (2007), Mawlana Mawdudi and Political Islam (2010), and The God of Philosophy (2011).

    "This excellent book provides a user-friendly introduction to the emergence and subsequent developments of Islamic philosophy. Jackson’s problem-oriented approach also shows, in a skilful manner, the relevance of this philosophy to some of the most pressing issues of our time in important fields such as politics, ethics and religion." - Ali Paya, University of Westminster (UK), Islamic College (UK), and National Research Institute for Science Policy (Iran)

    "Jackson presents the arguments of Islamic philosophers in careful, non-polemic fashion, providing faculty an exciting intellectual opportunity to acquaint themselves with the richness of Islamic thought and students an excellent text that rewards close reading. Summing Up: Highly recommended." - L. J. Alderink, Concordia College in CHOICE