An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Volume 3

Description

An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Volume 3: Philosophical Theology in the Middle Ages and Beyond, edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, is a comprehensive collection of texts that explore the rich tradition of philosophical theology in Persian intellectual history. This volume focuses on the medieval period and its enduring influence, presenting the works of major Persian thinkers who engaged in deep theological and philosophical inquiries. The book covers the intellectual developments of the post-Avicennan era, particularly the responses to Ibn Sina (Avicenna) by later scholars such as al-Ghazali, who critiqued Avicennan philosophy from an Ash‘arite theological perspective, and Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, who sought to reconcile theology with philosophical reasoning. The anthology also includes the writings of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi, and Mulla Sadra, who further developed the discourse by integrating Peripatetic (Aristotelian), Illuminationist, and mystical approaches. A significant theme of this volume is the interaction between rationalism and revelation, showing how Persian scholars navigated complex theological issues such as divine attributes, causality, human free will, and the nature of existence. The text selections illustrate how Persian thinkers contributed to the broader Islamic philosophical tradition while also influencing European Scholasticism and later developments in Islamic thought. By providing key excerpts from primary sources along with expert commentary, this volume serves as an essential resource for those interested in Islamic philosophy, medieval theology, and Persian intellectual history. It highlights how Persian scholars played a crucial role in shaping the philosophical discourse of the Middle Ages and beyond, bridging the gap between reason and faith in their quest for understanding.