THE ECLECTIC TENDENCY IN ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY

Karim Kerbouche; Cherif Khassa

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.6301

Authors

Karim Kerbouche Dr., University of Setif 2, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4014-8228
Cherif Khassa Dr., University of Setif 2, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0647-2432

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.6301

Keywords:

Ibn Rushd, eclectic tendency, jurisprudence (fiqh), fiqh of difference, al-Farabi, the Virtuous City

Abstract

Among the distinctive characteristics attributed to Islamic philosophy is that it is a philosophy based upon a central problem, namely the eclectic tendency in various philosophical theses. Al-Kindi worked on reconciliation between transmitted tradition and reason; al-Farabi was keen to create a concordance between the two sages; Ibn Sina, Ibn Tufayl, and Ibn Bajja employed the art of narrative to highlight the complementary relationship between wisdom and Sharia; just as Ibn Rushd addressed in his work Fasl al-Maqal the nature of the relationship between wisdom and Sharia.

This prominent presence of this tendency raises a problematic that investigates the causes and dimensions which used to push each philosopher to resort to this method while addressing the various philosophical issues raised by the cultural, intellectual, and social change.

It is as if this permanent presence carries an insistence and affirmation on the part of the philosophers concerning the infinity of philosophical solutions to the proposed questions, and concerning the argumentative nature of philosophical discourse and the efficacy of the eclectic tendency in the production of ideas and the transformation of mentalities.

In light of this situation, this topic was proposed in order to determine the causes and dimensions that made the eclectic tendency present in the various intellectual and historical stations of Islamic philosophy, taking Abu Nasr al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd as an intellectual model to examine and explore the hidden aspects and horizons of this philosophical tendency, which some consider an intellectual regression and an inability to possess an authentic philosophy independent from other philosophies.

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