Includes bibliographical references (p. [233]-244) and index.

Preliminary Material -- Introduction -- Chapter One: The Qurʾānic Background of Rationalism in Early Islam -- Chapter Two: Theocracy Versus Individuality: The Dispute on Man’s Free Will and its Impact on a New Rational World-View in the 8th/9th Century -- Chapter Three: The Encounter of Islamic Rationalism with Greek Culture: The Translation Period and its Role in the Development of Islamic Philosophy -- Chapter Four: The Autonomy of Philosophy in Islam -- Chapter Five: The Encounter of Islamic Philosophy with European Thought: Latin Translations and Translators of Arabic Philosophical Texts and their Importance for Medieval European Philosophy. Survey and State of the Art -- Chapter Six: Assimilation of Islamic Philosophical Thought and Dissociation in the Latin Middle Ages -- Chapter Seven: Islamic Roots of Knowledge in Europe -- Chapter Eight: Manifestations of Islamic Thought in an Intertwined World: Past and Future Tasks of their Study -- Bibliography -- Index of Names and Subjects -- Index of Ancient and Medieval Titles -- Index of Terms -- Index of Modern Authors.

Available to subscribing member institutions only.

Islamic thought is the most beautiful result of a multicultural dialogue. Islamic culture became a bridge between antiquity, Iranian scholars, Syriac and Arabic Christians and the Latin Middle Ages. Its richness of ideas, its plurality of values can contribute to the requirements of modern plurality. The monograph aims at a historical and bibliographical survey of the qurʾānic and rational world-view of early Islam, of the period of translations from Greek into Syriac and Arabic, and of the impact of Islamic thought on the Latin Middle Ages. Critical reflexions of Muslim scholars stimulated new scientific ideas and make us aware of the contribution of Islam to humanity.