Avicenna’s Psychology – An English Translation Of Kitab Al-Najat

F. Rahman

Paperback, 140 Pages, Black & White
6 x 9 Inches
Qadeem Press

Embark on a fascinating journey into the depths of the human psyche with “Avicenna’s Psychology” by F. Rahman. This groundbreaking exploration delves into the intricate workings of the mind, offering profound insights into consciousness, perception, and intellect through the lens of Avicenna’s timeless theories.

In this comprehensive examination, Rahman meticulously analyzes Avicenna’s seminal work, shedding light on the nature of the soul and its faculties. From the vegetative soul to the practical intellect, Rahman guides readers through Avicenna’s theories with clarity and precision, unraveling the complexities of the human psyche along the way.

Through scholarly rigor and dedication, Rahman provides readers with a deeper understanding of Avicenna’s thought, offering a nuanced perspective on the relationship between mind and body, perception and intellect. Drawing on Aristotle, Plotinus, and other philosophical traditions, “Avicenna’s Psychology” offers a rich tapestry of insights that resonate across cultures and centuries.

This enlightening book is not only a tribute to the brilliance of Avicenna’s thought but also a testament to Rahman’s commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the human mind. With deep gratitude to mentors and supporters, Rahman’s dedication to scholarship shines throughout the text, inviting readers to engage with Avicenna’s ideas in a profound and meaningful way.

Whether you’re a scholar, a student of philosophy, or simply curious about the workings of the human mind, “Avicenna’s Psychology” is a must-read. Rahman’s meticulous analysis and scholarly commentary provide a gateway to understanding the depths of the human psyche, offering readers a transformative journey of intellectual discovery.

Explore the rich tapestry of Avicenna’s work and Rahman’s meticulous commentary, and embark on a journey of intellectual discovery that will leave you with a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Don’t miss your chance to delve into the mysteries of the human mind with “Avicenna’s Psychology.”

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

  1. The Subject
    • Kitab al-Najât, Avicenna’s characterization, and soul’s faculties
    • Historical perspectives on soul’s substantiality, immortality, and ego
  2. The Manuscripts
    • Description of manuscripts used

II. ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Chapter I: Definition and functions of the soul

Chapter II: Animal soul: motives, perceptions, and senses

Chapter III: Internal perception: memory, imagination, intellect

Chapter IV: Practical intellect: morality and character

Chapter V: Doctrine of intellect: potential, actual, acquired intellect

Chapter VI: Intuition and prophecy: hierarchy of faculties

Chapter VII: Theory of abstraction: sensation, imagination, intellection

Chapter VIII: Perception through a physical organ

Chapter IX: Intellect and materiality: refutation of atomism

Chapter X: Knowledge without a physical organ: sensation vs. intellect

Chapter XI: How intellect functions: abstraction, judgement, and experience

Chapter XII: Soul’s relation to the body: individuality and survival

Chapter XIII: Immortality and soul-body independence

Chapter XIV: Transmigration and soul singularity

Chapter XV: Unity of the soul and interaction of faculties

Chapter XVI: Active intelligence: necessity and effect on potential intellect

III. COMMENTARY

Chapter I: Aristotelian sources

Chapter II: Soul’s passivity in perception: Alexander of Aphrodisias

Chapter III: Internal sense: Stoics, Alexander, and Galen

Chapter IV: Practical intellect: Aristotelian and Neoplatonic influences

Chapter V: Intellection and perception: Alexander’s contributions

Chapter VI: Prophecy: Aristotelian sources

Chapter VII: The grades of abstraction: criticism of Aristotle

Chapter VIII: Perception: critique of imagination theory

Chapter IX: Non-material intellect: refutation of atomism

Chapter X: Sensation and intellect: function differences

Chapter XI: Concept and judgement: Aristotelian sources

Chapter XII: Body as instrument of soul: Aristotelian and Neoplatonic views

Chapter XIII: Immortality: Plotinian influence

Chapter XIV: Unity of the soul: Avicenna’s argument and criticism

Chapter XV: Active vs. passive intellect: Aquinas’ critique

Chapter XVI: Intellectual memory: Aquinas vs. Avicenna

IV. APPENDIX: Sigla and Textual Notes

V. BIBLIOGRAPHY