Al-Farabi 872 – 950
Al-Farabi (872 – 950) was a Persian philosopher of the Medieval era, associated with Islamic Philosophy and Medieval Philosophy.
Abu Nasr al-Farabi was a Persian philosopher and one of the greatest figures of the Islamic Golden Age, known to later tradition as the Second Teacher, after Aristotle. He produced extensive commentaries on Aristotle's logical and political works and developed an original Neoplatonic metaphysics in which the world emanates from the One through a hierarchy of intelligences. His political philosophy, articulated in treatises on the virtuous city, examines the conditions under which a community can be organized for the achievement of human happiness. He profoundly influenced Avicenna, Maimonides, and the medieval Latin tradition.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Persian
- Era
- Medieval
- Movements
- Islamic Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Al-Farabi:
“The excellent city is one whose people unite in pursuit of the most excellent things.”
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Attributed to Al-Farabi:
“Happiness is the absolute good.”
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Attributed to Al-Farabi:
“The first ruler is the one to whom an entire community gives obedience, and is bound to him.”
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Attributed to Al-Farabi:
“Philosophy gives us knowledge of the truth, and religion presents the truth in images and persuasion.”
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Attributed to Al-Farabi:
“Man cannot attain perfection except through the help of others; he must therefore associate with them.”
Al-Farabi by topic
Frequently asked about Al-Farabi
- When did Al-Farabi live?
- Al-Farabi was born in 872 and died in 950.
- Where was Al-Farabi from?
- Al-Farabi was a Persian philosopher of the Medieval era.
- What philosophical movements is Al-Farabi associated with?
- Al-Farabi was associated with Islamic Philosophy and Medieval Philosophy.
- What was Al-Farabi known for?
- Abu Nasr al-Farabi was a Persian philosopher and one of the greatest figures of the Islamic Golden Age, known to later tradition as the Second Teacher, after Aristotle.
- How many quotes are attributed to Al-Farabi?
- There are 7 attributed quotations from Al-Farabi in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.