Language and Reason in Islamic Thought

This study delves into Fakhr al-DÄ«n al-RÄzÄ«'s (1149-1210) theory of language, a pivotal yet underexplored facet of his intellectual legacy. Moving beyond his interactions with the Avicennian tradition, it positions al-RÄzÄ« as an independent thinker. The work examines two often misinterpreted dimensions of his thought: his assertion that all concepts are self-evident, challenging traditional epistemology on conceptualization (taa¹£awwur) as advanced by AbÅ« Naa¹£r al-FÄrÄbÄ« (870-950) and Ibn SÄ«nÄ (980-1037), and his refinement of ÊAbd-l-QÄhir al-ÄurÄ?ÄnÄ«'s (1009-1078) theory of linguistic composition (naaº"m), emphasizing language's expressive capacity (bayÄn) and the QurʾÄn's unique linguistic structure. By analyzing these facets, the study reconstructs al-RÄzÄ«'s comprehensive framework for understanding linguistic phenomena, bridging the Greek-inspired falsafa tradition and the rich Arabic linguistic heritage. This exploration offers scholars and students a nuanced perspective on Islamic intellectual history, highlighting al-RÄzÄ«'s role in harmonizing diverse traditions and advancing a profound theory of linguistic understanding. This theory is essential for engaging with al-RÄzÄ«'s extensive written heritage.