A Brief Introduction to Islamic Philosophy by Oliver Leaman-Paperback
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Although Islamic philosophy represents one of the most important philosophical traditions in the world, it has only recently begun to receive the attention it deserves in the non-Islamic world. This important text provides a concise and accessible introduction to the major movements, thinkers and concepts within that tradition, from the foundation of Islam to the present day.
Ever since the growth of Islam as a religious and political movement, Muslim thinkers have sought to understand the theoretical aspects of their faith by using philosophical concepts. Leaman outlines this history and demonstrates that, although the development of Islamic philosophy is closely linked with Islam itself, its form is not essentially connected to religion, and its leading ideas and arguments are of general philosophical significance. The author illustrates the importance of Islamic thought within philosophy through the use of many modern examples. He describes and contrasts the three main movements in Islamic philosophy - Peripatetic, Sufi and Illuminationist - and examines the Persian as well as the Arabic traditions. Comprehensive coverage is given to key aspects of Islamic philosophy, including epistemology, ontology, politics, ethics and philosophy of language, providing readers with a full and rounded view of the discipline.
The main markets for this book are in the areas of philosophy, Islamic studies, Middle Eastern studies, cultural studies, religious studies and theology. It will be accessible to second-year undergraduates and upwards and to the lay reader interested in philosophical and religious issues.
Oliver Leaman is a distinguished scholar of philosophy and Islamic thought, widely recognized for his contributions to comparative philosophy, aesthetics, and ethics. Born in the United Kingdom, he earned his academic degrees from Cambridge University and has taught at several prominent institutions around the world. He currently serves as Professor of Philosophy and Zantker Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Kentucky.
Leaman’s research explores a broad range of topics, including Islamic philosophy, Jewish philosophy, and intercultural approaches to ethics and aesthetics. His work often bridges the gap between classical philosophical traditions and modern intellectual questions, engaging with figures such as al-Farabi, Avicenna, Averroes, Maimonides, and contemporary thinkers.
He is the author and editor of numerous influential books, including An Introduction to Classical Islamic Philosophy, Islamic Aesthetics: An Introduction, Evil and Suffering in Jewish Philosophy, and Controversies in Contemporary Religion. Leaman also served as co-editor of the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy and The Cambridge Companion to Medieval Jewish Philosophy, helping to make complex philosophical traditions accessible to modern readers.
Known for his clarity, depth, and comparative insight, Oliver Leaman has become one of the foremost interpreters of how Islamic and Jewish philosophies engage with universal questions of meaning, morality, and the nature of knowledge. His work continues to influence students and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of the interplay between religion, culture, and philosophy.
