First published in 1988. Two Andalusian Philosophers provides a short but comprehensive introduction to the central concerns of Islamic philosophy. The Story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan by Ibn Tufayl and The Definitive Statement by ibn Rushd represent the last, great flourish of Islamic philosophy in twelfth century Andalusia. From very different perspectives, they both deal with the central issue of Islamic philosophy - its relationship with shari'a law.
Two Andalusian Philosophers is a short but comprehensive introduction to the central concerns of Islamic philosophy and its relationship with shari'a law. The Story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan by Ibn Tufayl and The Definitive Statement by Averroes represent the last, great flourish of Islamic philosophy in twelfth century Andalusia. The influence of Averroes upon Latin scholastic philosophy is well known (although the content of his writings may be rather less familiar to a modern readership). Ibn Tufayl's reputation rests primarily upon Hayy ibn Yaqzan, which is among the most accessible of Islamic mystical writings. Widely known in English translation during the early eighteenth century, he was an important influence upon the composition of Robinson Crusoe.
