Received Wisdom: The Use of Authority in Medieval Islamic Philosophy. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adamson, Peter
• Is Part Of: Royal Institute of Philosophy supplement. Volume 89(2021)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1017/S1358246121000011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1358-2461

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper I challenge the notion that medieval philosophy was characterized by strict adherence to authority. In particular, I argue that to the contrary, self-consciously critical reflection on authority was a widespread intellectual virtue in the Islamic world. The contrary vice, called 'taqlīd', was considered appropriate only for those outside the scholarly elite. I further suggest that this idea was originally developed in the context of Islamic law and was then passed on to authors who worked within the philosophical tradition.