This book engages with the work of Miskawayh, a formative Islamic Philosopher in the 11th century, who is acknowledged as the founder of Islamic Moral Philosophy.
Miskawayhs The Refinement of Character (Tah?ib al-A?laq) draws from both ancient Greek philosophical tradition and Islamic thought, highlighting the concepts he integrated into what he argued to be the moral core of Islam. This book pursues a comparative study by analyzing and outlining the inherent philosophical concerns of the Aristotelian concepts of Happiness, Justice and Friendship, which are then brought into conversation with Miskawayhs own concepualizations of them. While Tah?ib al-A?laq is deeply influenced by Aristotles ethics, Miskawayh employs not only a Platonizing interpretation of Aristotelian philosophy, but also incorporates traditions of Islamic thought. The study therefore concludes that Miskawayh is merely a transmitter of ancient Greek philosophy, as shown by both his critical survey of the material available to him and his own critical contributions. Essentially, Miskawayh attempted to harmonize philosophical and religious concepts of knowledge, demonstrating the interlinking of what are perceived asat times detrimentallyincompatible positions. Ufuk Topkara illustrates how Aristotles Ethics are integrated, modified and at times adjusted to the broader narrative of Islamic thought and how Miskawayhs discourse, albeit philosophical in nature, remains religious in its outlook.
Providing clear insight into Miskawayhs work, this book is ideal for students and scholars of Islamic Philosophy and Muslim Theology.
