The tradition of philosophy in the Persian-speaking world is extraordinarily rich, creative and diverse. This anthology, which is divided into five volumes, aims to communicate something of that richness and diversity. The term philosophy is understood to in its widest sense to include theological debate, philosophical Sufism and philosophical hermeneutics (岳温幣敬庄鉛). Extending over a period of more than two millennia, and showcasing translations by well-established scholars, the anthology offers full bibliographical references throughout. For anyone interested in exploring, in all their varied manifestations, the fascinating philosophical traditions of Persia, such a wide-ranging and ambitious work will be an indispensable resource.
As Islamic theology developed, many of its schools interacted with the philosophical currents of their day resulting in what is known as philosophical theology, or 一温鉛偵馨From Arabic, lit. Speech, discussion, argument, translated as philosophical theology, refers to theological reflection using rational philosophical argumentation to study and express the content of the faith in a coherent…. No treatment of philosophy in Persia would be complete without the inclusion of some of these writings. Texts from the most significant works of these major Islamic theological schools, both Sunni and Shi平i, written not only in Arabic but also in Persian, are included in this volume. Among the definitive masters of both schools are many Persians, chief among them al-Ghazzl朝 and Fakhr al-D朝n Rz朝 who feature prominently here. So far as Shi平i theology is concerned it was from the beginning more philosophically inclined than the earlier schools of Sunni 一温鉛偵馨 and its development took place almost exclusively within Persia. Selections from Shi平i philosophical theology in this volume range from the thirteenth century to modern times and include texts available in translation for the first time.
General Introduction, S.H. Nasr
Introductory Analysis, Mehdi Aminrazavi
Part I: Mutazilism
Introduction: S. H. Nasr
Early Mu平tazilism:
Introduction: S.H. Nasr
1. Abul-Hudhayl 平Allf
Introduction: S.H. Nasr
Selections
Majid Fakhry
2. Ibrh朝m Na畉畉m:
Introduction, S.H. Nasr
Selections
Majid Fakhry
Later Mu平tazilism:
Introduction, M. Aminrazavi
3. Q畍朝 平Abd al-Jabbr
温鉛-珂顎乙鞄稼朝 ([The Book] That Makes Others Superfluous)
Daniel C. Peterson
Part II: Later Sunni Theological Thought
Introduction S. H. Nasr
Early Mu平tazilism:
Introduction, S.H. Nasr
1. Abul-Hudhayl 平Allf:
Introduction: S.H. Nasr
Selections
Majid Fakhry
2. Ibrh朝m Na畉畉m:
Introduction, S.H. Nasr
Selections
Majid Fakhry
Later Mu平tazilism:
Introduction, M. Aminrazavi
3. Q畍朝 平Abd al-Jabbr
温鉛-珂顎乙鞄稼朝 ([The Book] That Makes Others Superfluous)
Daniel C. Peterson
Part III: Shiite Philosophical Theology
Introduction, S.H. Nasr
1. Na畊Ｄr al-D朝n 畊笛s朝
Introduction: S.H. Nasr
Tajr朝d al-i平tiqd (The Book of Catharsis)
Majid Fakhry
2. 平Allmah 畍ill朝
Introduction, M. Aminrazavi
Shar畍 al-tajr朝d (Commentary on the Book of Catharsis)
Majid Fakhry
3. 平Abd al-Razzq Lh朝j朝
Introduction, S.H. Nasr
Gawhar-i murd (The Pearl of the Desired)
Mohammad Faghfoori
皆鞄温敬偵姻庄援 (O姻庄艶稼岳温岳庄看稼壊)
Maria Dakake
4. 畍asan ibn 平Abd al-Razzq Lh朝j朝
Majm笛平a-yi ras幣il frs朝
Mohammad Faghfoori
5. Mull Mahd朝 Narq朝
Introduction: M. Aminrazavi
Qurrat al-平uy笛n (The Delight of the Eyes)
Joseph Lumbard
Index
Seyyed Hossein Nasr is University Professor of Islamic Studies at George Washington University. He is the author of over 300 articles and thirty books, and has lectured widely on Islamic philosophy.
Mehdi Aminrazavi is the author and editor of numerous books and articles, and is currently Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Mary Washington, where he directs the Middle Eastern Studies Program.