Scientific Journal
Abstract
It is widely held that al-Ghazālī was the first scholar to attempt to incorporate logic into the Islamic sciences. In reality, however, Ibn Ḥazm preceded al-Ghazālī in this endeavor. Although Ibn Ḥazm cannot be regarded as one of the foremost logicians of the Islamic world, some of his views—particularly those expressed in al-Taqrīb—are original and innovative. Indeed, certain critics have reproached him, arguing that due to a misunderstanding of Aristotle’s intent, he opposed him and consequently fell into error.
Ibn Ḥazm considered logic to be the most effective and beneficial instrument for establishing sound doctrines and refuting the beliefs and opinions of opponents. Nevertheless, he maintained that the Arabic translations of Aristotle’s logical works were neither precise nor fully faithful to their intended meaning. For this reason, by returning to pre-Islamic logical writings, he structured and composed his own logical treatise in such a way as to clearly demonstrate the instrumental nature of logic, even within the religious sciences.
This article examines the salient features of Ibn Ḥazm’s epistemological and logical thought.
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