In this controversial new book, Christopher A. Colmo offers a view of the 10th century Arab philosopher Alfarabi that draws attention to a previously unremarked aspect of his philosophic project. Colmo argues that as a philosopher Alfarabi felt compelled to question the philosophic tradition as deeply as he might question religious tradition, and this he did with such power and brilliance that the result was a new philosophic perspective. With unique access to both Islamic and pagan philosophical traditions, Alfarabi took the side of Greek philosophy as representative of human reason and defended its ultimate autonomy. However, Alfarabi went further, moving away from Plato and Aristotle's vision of philosophy as divine to an understanding of philosophy in a way that allowed it to be seen as knowledge and action in the service of human power and happiness. Alfarabi offers a powerful new answer to the question, why philosophy? His subtle defense of and debate with the ancients raises questions of hermeneutics as well as substantive questions of philosophy, politics, and theology. Breaking With Athens sheds new light on Alfarabi's enduring answers to perennial questions, making it essential for students of philosophy, political science, theology, and the history of ideas.
Industry Reviews
In this thoughtful meditation on the political philosophy of Alfarabi, Christopher Colmo demolishes a series of myths-that Alfarabi was an apologist for Islam, that he was a slavish follower of Plato and Aristotle, that he was a Neo-Platonist-and makes a powerful case for the view that he would be regarded as the true founder of philosophical modernity and appropriated as a fertile source for reflection on the present discontents. -- Paul A. Rahe, Hillsdale College
Not only is Colmo's Breaking with Athens an engaging and sure to be controversial addition to Farabi scholarship-arguing as it does that Farabi is in fact a proto-modern-but an exemplary piece of philosophical exegesis which brings life to the fundamental questions in the tradition of political philosophy. -- Gregory Bruce Smith, Trinity College
This is simply the best book about the philosophy of Alfarabi written in English. Colmo brings to his interpretation of key works of Alfarabi a wide- ranging knowledge of Plato's dialogues, an acute sense of philosophic irony, and a refreshing willingnessto take the literal text seriously. His defense of the thesis that Alfarabi rejected fundamental aspects of Platonic philosophy is so forceful and provocative it should become the reference point for every thoughtful study of Alfarabi in the years ahead... -- Miriam Galston, George Washington University Law School
The writing throughout is elegant and analytical. Colmo is to be congratulated for offering a new and convincing interpretation of one of the great Arabic philosophers. Excellent references, bibliography, and useful index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
In this fascinating study, Christopher Colmo argues persuasively that Alfarabi is a perfectly competent philosopher who can be read on his own terms and not as the unwitting product of his age, religion, social class, or anything else. Colmo shows that Alfarabi sees himself as doing something neither Plato or Aristotle could accomplish, namely, providing an answer to the question of 'why philosophy?' and this without finding it necessary to refute either one. Especially appealing are Colmo's clear, jargon-free style and gentle correction of other scholars. He deftly refocuses the debate, showing what is incorrect about other views without being tendentious. -- Charles Butterworth, University of Maryland
This is simply the best book about the philosophy of Alfarabi written in English. Colmo brings to his interpretation of key works of Alfarabi a wide- ranging knowledge of Plato's dialogues, an acute sense of philosophic irony, and a refreshing willingness to take the literal text seriously. His defense of the thesis that Alfarabi rejected fundamental aspects of Platonic philosophy is
so forceful and provocative it should become the reference point for every thoughtful study of Alfarabi in the years ahead. -- Miriam Galston, George Washington University Law School
