An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Volume 4

Description

An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Volume 4: From the School of Illumination to Philosophical Mysticism, edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, is part of a monumental series that traces the evolution of Persian philosophical thought. This volume focuses on the period from the School of Illumination (Ishraq) founded by Shihab al-Din Suhrawardi in the 12th century to the development of philosophical mysticism in later centuries, particularly through the works of Mulla Sadra and his followers. The book presents a collection of translated texts that illustrate the integration of Peripatetic (Aristotelian), Platonic, and mystical elements within Persian philosophy. It delves into Suhrawardi’s Illuminationist Philosophy, which emphasized the role of divine light as the foundation of knowledge, as well as the Transcendent Philosophy of Mulla Sadra, who synthesized rationalist, mystical, and theological insights into a comprehensive metaphysical system. The volume also explores the contributions of lesser-known yet significant figures who bridged the gap between rational discourse and spiritual experience. Through carefully selected writings, this anthology highlights the depth and originality of Persian thought, showing its continuous engagement with questions of existence, knowledge, and divine reality. It serves as an invaluable resource for scholars of Islamic philosophy, mysticism, and intellectual history, shedding light on a tradition that has influenced both Eastern and Western philosophical landscapes.