Isagoge: A Classical Primer On Logic

Athīr al-Dīn al-Abharī’s (d. 663/1265) Isagoge is one of the most important logic texts produced in the Islamicate world; this concise summary (matn) outlines the basic elements of logic and includes topics such as the identification of proper definitions, valid syllogisms, and logical fallacies. It has been an essential text of school curricula since its inception in the thirteenth century, making it one of the oldest works in continual use since its dissemination. This edition of the Isagoge contains the complete vocalized Arabic text with facing English translation. This is followed by extensive commentary, including helpful diagrams and tables, that makes it an indispensable book for scholars and students of Arabic logic and those seeking to engage with classical Islamic texts. Feryal Salem’s (PhD, University of Chicago, 2013) translation and commentary on the Isagoge make this otherwise dense text accessible to the reader.