Islamic History and Culture

Tahāfut al-Falāsifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers) is a renowned philosophical work written by the eminent Persian theologian and philosopher, Al-Ghazali (1058–1111 CE). The text presents a critical examination of the prevalent Greek-influenced philosophical thought held by Islamic philosophers during his time. Al-Ghazali’s aim in this groundbreaking work was to highlight the discrepancies between philosophy and Islamic theology, demonstrating that certain elements of philosophical inquiry were incompatible with Islamic faith. The Incoherence of the Philosophers scrutinizes key tenets of the Aristotelian and Neoplatonic philosophical traditions, primarily targeting the works of luminaries such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Farabi (Alpharabius). Al-Ghazali offers an analytical dissection of these philosophers’ perspectives on topics such as causality, metaphysics, and ethics, contending that their propositions often conflict with religious doctrine. By employing an intricate synthesis of theological, philosophical, and logical arguments, Al-Ghazali’s Tahāfut al-Falāsifa contributed significantly to the intellectual landscape of the Islamic world. It incited both complementary and dissenting reactions, including a notable response titled Tahāfut al-Tahāfut (The Incoherence of the Incoherence) by the renowned Andalusian philosopher, Averroes.