Contents
Al-Farabi
Connecting Greek philosophy with Arabic thought on logic, society and knowledge.
The Virtuous City · Enumeration of the Sciences
- Born
- c. 870
- Birthplace
- Central Asia; exact birthplace disputed
- Died
- 950
More people
Al-Farabi
Al-Farabi was a philosopher and music theorist active in the medieval Islamic world.
Early life
Uncertain origins
Early biographical details and ethnic background are disputed.
Intellectual setting
Studied within the scholarly world that translated and developed Greek philosophy in Arabic.
Career
- Early 10th century
Baghdad
Worked in a centre of philosophical and scientific study.
- 10th century
Philosophical writing
Developed works on logic, knowledge and political life.
- Later years
Syria
Spent time in the region before his death in Damascus.
Ideas & writings
The Virtuous City
Examined the organisation of a society directed towards human flourishing.
Enumeration of the Sciences
Classified fields of knowledge.
Great Book of Music
Explored musical theory in detail.
Legacy
Music
His work treated music as both a theoretical and practical subject.
Later influence
Became an important reference for subsequent philosophers including Avicenna.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy ↗Photo: Mr.Nostalgic. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
