Arab Philosophical Trends - by Abdulrahman Al-Salimi

About the Book

Illuminates the core beliefs of twentieth-century Arab philosophers in response to Western ideas of modernisation.

Book Synopsis

This book studies the responses of the founders of twentieth-century Arab philosophical schools to the question of (primarily Western) modernisation in the Arab world, particularly to its relationship with Arab heritage. For some intellectuals, there are calls for a new Nahda or Renaissance, for the Arabs to modernise on their own terms within their own heritage, in various forms. Others are more interested in choosing Western modernisation and accepting the inevitable consequences of secularisation.

Review Quotes

Arab Philosophical Trends combines erudition and creativity, intimacy with the subject and dialogues between the past and present with methodological feeling and excellent epistemology. In tune with contemporary, plural and decolonial studies, this book offers a fascinating picture of the richness of Arab thought, ancient legacy and dialectical overcoming during the current challenges. Al-Salimi brings back a treasure eclipsed in the 20th century not for a museum but for a Socratic field of free thought, life and improvement of dialogue that is so urgent and necessary between East and West.

--Marco Lucchesi, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

This book is likely to be the standard text in this area for some time and is an important addition to our understanding of modern Arabic culture.

--Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky