The Incoherence of the Philosophers

Although Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali lived a relatively short life (1058-1111), he established himself as one of the most important thinkers in the history of Islam. The Incoherence of the Philosophers, written after more than a decade of travel and ascetic contemplation, contends that while such Muslim philosophers as Avicenna boasted of unassailable arguments on matters of theology and metaphysics, they could not deliver on their claims; moreover, many of their assertions represented disguised heresy and unbelief. Despite its attempted refutation by the twelfth-century philosopher Ibn Rushd, al-Ghazali’s work remains widely read and influential.

About the Author & Translator

Michael E. Marmura

Michael E. Marmura (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, where he taught from 1959 until 1995 and where he twice chaired the Department of Middle East and Islamic Studies.

Publication Information

Subject: Middle Eastern Studies
Publication Year: 2000
Language: Arabic, English
Edition: 2
ISBN 10: 0-8425-2466-5
ISBN 13: 978-0-8425-2466-7
Page Count: 511
Price: $ 49.95
Sub Site: Middle Eastern Texts Initiative
Imprint: Brigham Young University Press