A unified narrative of medieval Islamic philosophy grounded in primary sources

Students approaching Islamic philosophy for the first time need a text that integrates historical context with sustained philosophical analysis. Selected Pillars of Islamic Philosophy: A Guide for Students provides a continuous narrative tracing the development of Islamic philosophy through the thirteenth century, covering six foundational thinkers: al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Ibn Bajja, Ibn Tufayl, and Ibn Rushd.

Drawing on primary Arabic sources, the book examines major themes including God, the soul, knowledge, good and evil, and the afterlife. It situates philosophical discussion within the rise of Kalam and the translation movement, treating both Eastern and Western medieval Islamic traditions. Fresh interpretations of specific topics, such as al-Farabi's conception of the afterlife, distinguish the analysis.

The book also provides:

• Summaries and definitions of key terms that orient readers within complex theological and philosophical debates across the tradition
• Integrated background on Islam, theology, and the translation movement connecting intellectual context to each philosopher's arguments and conclusions
• Clear signposting of debates and disagreements among the six thinkers, helping readers trace the evolution of core ideas
• A coherent student-friendly format designed to prepare readers for more advanced engagement with primary philosophical sources
• Coverage of both Eastern and Western medieval Islamic philosophical traditions within a single continuous narrative framework

Designed for undergraduate and graduate courses in Islamic philosophy, medieval philosophy, philosophy of religion, and Middle Eastern intellectual history, this book prepares students for advanced work with primary sources while serving instructors seeking a concise, unified teaching text and offering scholars in the field a valuable resource for their own research and study.

Shams C. Inati is Professor of Islamic Philosophy & Theology at Villanova University, specializing in Ibn Sina, metaphysics, and the problem of evil. She earned her PhD at SUNY Buffalo under the renowned scholar George Hourani and is the author of ten books and numerous articles. Dr. Inati has received prestigious honors, including grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew Mellon Foundation. A poet, songwriter, speaker, and advocate for human rights and just peace. Her greatest love is working with her students and enabling them to become objective thinkers and productive members of the global community.