Classical Arabic Philosophy: An Anthology of Sources First Edition Edition

This volume introduces the major classical Arabic philosophers through substantial selections from the key works (many of which appear in translation for the first time here) in each of the fields -- including logic, philosophy of science, natural philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and politics -- to which they made significant contributions.

An extensive Introduction situating the works within their historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts offers support to students approaching the subject for the first time, as well as to instructors with little or no formal training in Arabic thought. A glossary, select bibliography, and index are also included.

"This book will make a major impact on the study, and especially the teaching, of Arabic philosophy. A major difficulty with this field has been the lack of any adequate textbook of sources. . . . Reisman and McGinnis not only provide here a rich selection of texts that could be the basis for even a full-year course on Arabic thought, but also manage to translate several important works for the first time; they also include some standards that would probably be missed were they not here. It will no doubt become the standard anthology used in courses on Arabic philosophy, and I will use it this way myself. The team of McGinnis and Reisman is an ideal one. . . All in all, this project is to be greeted with immense enthusiasm."
--Peter Adamson, King's College London

"This is a very fine, well conceived collection of philosophical materials that display the intellectual rigor, power, and insights of the thinkers of the Arabic tradition. [It's] quite impressive in what it covers. Issues in metaphysics, epistemology, language and ontology, natural philosophy, practical philosophy, and more are made available here in a way unmatched [by any other collection]. What makes Reisman & McGinnis' anthology all the more valuable are the glossaries. These are a very nice touch, very valuable tools for students. The Introduction is written at a level appropriate for undergraduates and graduate students . . . . Their efforts at keeping it readable are appreciated. . . Teachers not expert in the area will find it valuable as a guide for their students. . . Certainly this book is far superior to anything currently available. It is suitable for adoption not only for courses in Arabic philosophy but also for any general courses in medieval philosophy."
--Richard C. Taylor, Marquette University