The Philosophical Works of Al-Kindi

Studies in Islamic Philosophy

Product Information

• Title: The Philosophical Works of Al-Kindi
• Authors: Peter Adamson, Peter E. Pormann
• Language: English
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN-13: 9780199062805 / 978-0199062805
• ISBN-10: 0199062803
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Pakistan
• Publication Date: August 2, 2012
• Number of Pages: 363

Overview

The Philosophical Works of Al-Kindi is a scholarly exploration of the intellectual contributions of Al-Kindi (c. 801–873 CE), often referred to as the first philosopher of Islam. This book, authored by Peter Adamson and Peter E. Pormann, delves into Al-Kindi’s philosophical, scientific, and metaphysical writings, positioning him as a crucial bridge between Greek philosophy and the Islamic intellectual tradition.

Al-Kindi was instrumental in introducing and adapting Hellenistic philosophical concepts, particularly from Aristotle, Plato, and Neoplatonism, into the Islamic world. His works laid the foundation for later Islamic philosophers such as Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and Averroes. This book examines his theories on metaphysics, epistemology, logic, medicine, and cosmology, providing a comprehensive study of his legacy.

Adamson and Pormann offer a detailed analysis of Al-Kindi’s texts, discussing their historical significance and philosophical impact. The book is an essential read for students and scholars of Islamic philosophy, medieval thought, and the history of science.

Key Features

✅ First comprehensive study of Al-Kindi’s philosophical contributions
✅ Explores Al-Kindi’s role in transmitting Greek thought to the Islamic world
✅ Analyzes his work in metaphysics, logic, cosmology, and medicine
✅ Provides historical context for his influence on later philosophers
✅ Authored by leading scholars in Islamic and medieval philosophy

About the Authors

Peter Adamson is a Professor of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy at King's College London. He specializes in Greek, Roman, and Islamic philosophy.

Peter E. Pormann is a Professor of Classics and Graeco-Arabic Studies at the University of Manchester. His research focuses on classical and Islamic intellectual traditions.

Interesting Facts About Al-Kindi

• Al-Kindi was a pioneer in the transmission of Greek philosophy into Arabic, influencing Islamic and Western medieval thought.
• He was one of the earliest scholars to integrate Aristotelian and Neoplatonic ideas into an Islamic framework.
• Al-Kindi contributed to various fields including mathematics, medicine, optics, and astrology.
• His philosophical ideas influenced Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and later European thinkers.
• He believed that philosophy and religion were complementary rather than contradictory.

Publisher

Published by Oxford University Press Pakistan, this book is part of the Studies in Islamic Philosophy series, offering a deep dive into the rich intellectual tradition of early Islamic thought.

What do you think of Al-Kindi’s contributions? Share your thoughts in the reviews!

Hashtags

#IslamicPhilosophy #AlKindi #PeterAdamson #PeterPormann #OxfordUniversityPress #MedievalPhilosophy #GreekToArabic #IslamicGoldenAge #Neoplatonism #IslamicHistory