What Is Islamic Philosophy?

What is Islamic Philosophy? offers a broad introduction to Islamic thought, from its origins to the many challenging issues facing Muslims in the contemporary world. The chapters explore early Islamic philosophy and trace its development through key themes and figures up to the twenty-first century. Topics covered include ethical issues such as just war, abortion, women's rights, homosexuality, and cloning; questions in political philosophy regarding what kind of Islamic state could exist and how democratic Islam can be; and the contribution of Islam to 'big questions' such as the existence of God, the concept of the soul, and what constitutes truth. This book includes a helpful glossary and suggestions for further reading. It is ideal for students coming to the subject for the first time as well as anyone wanting to learn about the philosophical tradition and dilemmas that are part of the Islamic worldview.