Alfarabi's Book of Dialectic (Kitab al-Jadal): On the Starting Point of Islamic Philosophy

Description

Widely regarded as the founder of the Islamic philosophical tradition, and as the single greatest philosophical authority after Aristotle by his successors in the medieval Islamic, Jewish, and Christian communities, Alfarabi was a leading figure in the fields of Aristotelian logic and Platonic political science. The first complete English translation of his commentary on Aristotle's Topics, Alfarabi's Book of Dialectic, or Kitab al-Jadal, is presented here in a deeply researched edition based on the most complete Arabic manuscript sources. David M. DiPasquale argues that Alfarabi's understanding of the Socratic art of dialectic is the key prism through which to grasp his recovery of an authentic tradition of Greek science on the verge of extinction. He also suggests that the Book of Dialectic is unique to the extent to which it unites Alfarabi's logical and political writings, opening up novel ways of interpreting Alfarabi's influence.

David M. DiPasquale is Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Department of Political Science and the Islamic Civilization and Societies Program at Boston College where he specializes in Islamic philosophy, law, and political philosophy.

'David M. DiPasquale's translation and interpretation of Alfarabi's Book of Dialectic advances our understanding of Alfarabi's innovative approach to philosophy and subtle attempt to breathe new life into its pursuit. DiPasquale renders Dominic Mallet's path-breaking edition of the Arabic text in a manner that captures Alfarabi's nuances while respecting his unique reticence.' Charles E. Butterworth, University of Maryland 'A dependable English translation of Alfarabi's indispensable work, Book of Dialectic, is a great boon - especially given that the only critical Arabic edition exists in an unpublished French dissertation. In addition, DiPasquale's fine book reveals why dialectic is central not only to political philosophy but also to the whole of philosophy.' Josh Parens, University of Dallas