Ibn Rushd’s Faṣl al-Maqāl and the Radical Turn of Western Philosophy

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of Islam in world philosophy by re-reading Ibn Rushd’s Fasl al-Maqāl. It analyses the ideas and influence of Ibn Rushd (d. 1198) in inspiring the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. His philosophical works and doctrine written in early 12th century have manifested dramatic influence in the making of Western civilization as recognized in the late 18th century renaissance. The impact of this Muslim contribution was seen in the cultural worldview that constitutes the cornerstone of Western Europe. The study is based on qualitative approaches in the form of a literature review and content analysis. The data were obtained from primary and secondary sources and analyzed by way of descriptive, analytical, thematic, hermeneutic, and historical techniques. The finding shows that the works and thoughts of Ibn Rushd as presented in Faṣl al-Maqāl, have inspired radical intellectual transformation in European society. This paper contributes to highlighting the historical influence of his scientific works that constitute the cornerstone of his worldview and discusses the monumental socio-religious reform initiated by Ibn Rushd in sociopolitical landscape of Al-Andalus.