Ibn Rushd (Averroes)

Known for

Reconciling reason and faith, Tahafut al-Tahafut, commentaries on Aristotle

Thought

Writing a direct, point-by-point rebuttal to Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd argued philosophy and revelation cannot truly conflict, because both are paths to the same single truth — apparent contradictions arise only from misreading scripture literally when it should be read allegorically by those trained in demonstrative reasoning. He held that rigorous philosophical reasoning, far from threatening faith, is itself a religious duty for those capable of it.

Biography

Andalusian judge, physician and philosopher in Cordoba whose extensive commentaries on Aristotle later made him so influential in medieval Europe that he was known there simply as "the Commentator".

CSS Philosophy paper topics

Major works

• Tahafut al-Tahafut (The Incoherence of the Incoherence)