Ibn Rushd (Averroes): The Commentator of Aristotle

Ibn Rushd (Averroes) (1126-1198 CE)

The Judge and Physician

Born in Cordoba in 1126 CE into a family of jurists, he served as judge (qadi) in Seville and Cordoba, and as personal physician to the Almohad caliph. His training covered law, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, and theology.

The Great Commentator

Ibn Rushd wrote three types of Aristotle commentaries: minor summaries, middle paraphrases, and major line-by-line analyses. Known in Europe as "the Commentator," his Latin translations influenced Thomas Aquinas, Albertus Magnus, and Siger of Brabant.

Defense of Philosophy

His most famous work, "The Incoherence of the Incoherence," refuted al-Ghazali's attack on philosophy. He argued that philosophy is not merely compatible with Islam but obligatory for those with intellectual capacity.

The Decisive Treatise (Fasl al-Maqal)

He argues that Islamic law commands the study of philosophy. Three levels of understanding exist: rhetorical (general public), dialectical (theologians), and demonstrative (philosophers).

Persecution and Exile

Late in life, the caliph ordered his philosophical works burned and exiled him. He was later rehabilitated but died in Marrakesh in 1198 CE.

Legacy in Europe

His ideas gave rise to "Latin Averroism" at the University of Paris. Dante placed him in Limbo alongside other great non-Christian philosophers.