Neoplatonism in Islamic Thought

Neoplatonism in Islamic Thought

Author: Filip Holm February 10, 2023 Duration: 56:50

It's time to talk about a few ways that Neoplatonic ideas have shown up in the history of Islamic thought.



Sources/Recomended Reading:

  • Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2005). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press.
  • al-Ghazali - "The Niche of Lights". Translated by David Buchman. Islamic Translations Series. University of Chicago Press.
  • Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.
  • Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.
  • Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".
  • Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.
  • Chittick, William (2005). "The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi". World Wisdom, inc.
  • Dillon, John (1996). "The Middle Platonists". Bristol Classical Press.
  • Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. (This is the translation of the Enneads I have been using in this episode).
  • Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
  • Ibn Sina - "A Treatise on Love". Translated by Emil L. Fackenheim. Medieval Studies.
  • Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Translation by Caner K. Dagli. Great Books of the Islamic World.
  • Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.
  • Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-4. Pir Press.
  • Morewedge, Parviz (1992). "Neoplatonism and Islamic Thought". State University of New York Press.
  • Ormsby, Eric (Translated by) (2012). "Between Reason and Revelation: Twin wisdoms reconciled". An annotated English translation of Nasir-i Khusraw's Kitab-i Jami al-hikmatayn. The Institute of Isma'ili Studies. I.B. Tauris.
  • Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
  • O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press.
  • Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.


#neoplatonism #islam #philosophy



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Hosted by Filip Holm, Let's Talk Religion is a deep, accessible exploration of belief systems that have shaped human history and continue to define cultures. This isn't about preaching or debate; it's a thoughtful journey grounded in academic rigor and genuine curiosity. Each episode serves as a guided conversation, peeling back the layers of major world religions and lesser-known spiritual paths to examine their core tenets, historical development, and cultural impact. You'll hear detailed profiles of pivotal figures, from foundational prophets and philosophers to mystical poets and reformers, all placed within their rich historical context. The goal is to build a foundation of understanding, moving beyond headlines and stereotypes to appreciate the complex narratives and lived experiences within each tradition. By approaching religion as a multifaceted subject worthy of serious study, this podcast creates a space for listeners to reflect on the profound questions and diverse answers humanity has offered. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that treats religious thought with the depth and nuance it deserves, making each topic resonate with both intellectual and personal significance. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to listen and learn, to find connections and contrasts in the stories we tell about the divine, the sacred, and our place in the world.
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