The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide

The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide

by Oliver Leaman (Author)

Synopsis

Assuming no prior knowledge, The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide is an introduction to the Qur'an from a philosophical point of view. Oliver Leaman's guide begins by familiarizing the readers with the core theories and controversies surrounding the text. Covering key theoretical approaches and focusing on its style and language, Leaman introduces the Qur'an as an aesthetic object and as an organization. The book discusses the influence of the Qur'an on culture and covers its numerous interpreters from the modernizers and popularizers to the radicals. He presents a close reading of the Qur'an, carefully and clearly presenting a variety of philosophical interpretation verse-by-verse. Explaining what the philosopher is arguing, relating the argument to a particular verse, and providing the reader with the means to be part of the discussion, this section includes: - Translated extracts from the text - A range of national backgrounds and different cultural and historic contexts spanning the classical and modern period, the Middle East, Europe and North America - Philosophical interpretations ranging from the most Islamophobe to the extreme apologist - A variety of schools of thought and philosophers such as Peripatetic, Illuminationist, and Sufi. Written with clarity and authority and showing the distinct ways a variety of thinkers have sought to understand the text, The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide introduces readers to the value of interpreting the Qur'an philosophically.

$192.52

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 328
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Published: 30 Jun 2016

ISBN 10: 1474216196
ISBN 13: 9781474216197
Book Overview: Introducing a wide range of contemporary and classic philosophical approaches to reading the Qur'an, this is a valuable resource for understanding its philosophy, history and the history if its interpretation.

Media Reviews
In this fascinating work, Oliver Leaman provides an accessible yet erudite commentary on the relationship between the Qur'an and philosophy as viewed by various Muslim thinkers. As he thoroughly demonstrates, reflection on the text of the Qur'an has frequently resulted in rich philosophical ruminations by many Muslim intellectuals, both classical and modern. Anyone interested in exploring philosophical issues raised by reading the Qur'an will find this work very satisfying. -- Imran Aijaz, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, The University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA
Author Bio
Oliver Leaman is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kentucky, USA. He is the General Editor of The Biographical Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy and the author and editor of books on philosophy and especially Islamic philosophy.