HISTORY OF ARABIC PHILOSOPHY

The History of Arabic Philosophy course introduces students to the key aspects of medieval philosophical thought developed in the Arabic language across a vast geographical region, extending from Spain to Iran. It traces the evolution of this tradition, beginning with early theoretical debates and the reception of Greek philosophical works in the 8th century, culminating in the sophisticated synthesis of Averroes (d. 1198), with additional references to the so-called "post-classical" tradition. As part of the broader field of History of Philosophy, this course aims to equip students with essential knowledge and skills related to intellectual practices, foundational texts, major thinkers, philosophical arguments, and the technical vocabulary of established philosophical traditions. Seamlessly integrated into the study of medieval philosophy, the course also engages in dialogue with ancient philosophy, both of which are already included in the curriculum. This comprehensive approach offers students a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the development of philosophical thought throughout the Middle Ages.

The course aims to:

1) Provide students with a solid fundamental understanding of the key themes and figures of medieval Arabic philosophy;
2) Encourage critical engagement with a philosophical text from the Arabic tradition (in Italian translation) and deepen their understanding of its technical vocabulary;
3) Equip students with the tools to understand the transmission dynamics of medieval philosophical texts within the Arabic tradition, in relation to Greek, Syriac, Latin, and Hebrew traditions;
4) Develop students’ awareness of the richness and theoretical significance of Arabic philosophy and its interactions with other philosophical traditions.

While there are no formal prerequisites, a general familiarity with philosophy—particularly ancient philosophy—is strongly recommended.

The course offers an introductory journey into the rich medieval philosophical tradition in the Arabic language, guiding students through a selection of representative authors and the main theoretical issues that shaped its development.
Alongside this overview, the course includes a monographic section devoted to a central theme: reflection on the proper forms of scientific reasoning and their possible deviations. In other words, both the structures of valid argumentation and their “pathologies” will be explored, highlighting a key aspect for understanding the evolution of philosophical and scientific thought within the long Arabic tradition. At the heart of this inquiry lies the codification of a comprehensive and articulated theory of reasoning, which distinguishes five forms of syllogism: demonstrative, dialectical, rhetorical, poetic, and sophistical.
Through the reading of significant texts (in translation), the monographic section will focus in particular on reconstructing the reception, in the Arabic world, of Aristotelian reflections on the argumentative procedures of the sophists. This investigation will be situated within the lively debate between philosophers and rational theologians (mutakallimūn), providing students with the tools to grasp the complexity and depth of this intellectual exchange.
The course will thus enable students to appreciate the development of a refined and original theory of reasoning and syllogism which, while engaging in dialogue with the contemporary Western tradition, stands out for its autonomy and originality. From this perspective, the Arabic tradition will emerge as a dynamic crossroads between the Greek, Latin, and Hebrew traditions, revealing its full significance in the history of thought.

REFERENCE TEXTBOOKS:
-Ulrich Rudolph, La filosofia islamica (trad. a cura di C. Baffioni), Il Mulino, 2006 (ISBN: 978-8815109699).
-Selected chapters from Cristina D'Ancona (ed.), Storia della filosofia nell'Islam medievale, Einaudi, 2005 (ISBN: 978-8806170738), volumes 1 and 2.

PRIMARY LITERATURE (MEDIEVAL SOURCES IN TRANSLATION):
Primary literature selected by the instructor and discussed in class. The texts will be provided by the instructor on the course Moodle platform and distributed during the lectures.

The assessment method consists of an oral exam, focusing on the knowledge of textbook materials and primary literature texts analyzed during lectures.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

The evalutation will be over 30 points.

The classes will provide all the necessary background to understand the topics treated and the study material. We will also present and critically discuss some of the key authors, referring (when relevant) to the authors' original texts. Additionally, the classes will serve as an opportunity for students to actively engage and discuss the topics based on their own reading of the assigned material.