Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) was one of the most remarkable Muslim scholars of the pre-modern period. He founded what he called the science of human society or social organization; as well as a new methodology for writing history and a new purpose for it; namely to understand the causes of events. While his ideas had little impact on the development of Muslim thought for several centuries; they hugely impressed European thinkers from the nineteenth century on - some of them proclaimed Ibn Khaldun a progenitor of sociology and modern historiography. This book introduces the reader to Ibn Khaldun's core ideas; focusing on his theory of the rise and decline of states. It presents the story of Ibn Khaldun's life; his political ups and downs; and some features of his character that contribute to an understanding of the development of his ideas. The central concept of 'asabiyya (group solidarity) and the factors that lead to its dilution are explained in detail; as also the method of testing (historical) reports for their plausibility. Alatas provides an extended discussion of Ibn Khaldun's views on education and knowledge; and on society. He recounts the reception of Ibn Khaldun in his own time and in the modern period; in the Islamic world and in the West: the range of responses include those who thought Ibn Khaldun merely reworked ideas found in the works of al-Farabi and in the Ikhwan al-Safa' to those who compare him to the giants of Western political and sociological thought; from Machiavelli to Marx. The book also includes a comprehensive list of the various editions and translations of Ibn Khaldun's works into European and non-European languages and also an annotated list of major works in Arabic; English; and other Western languages; which would aid the reader in further research.
#674571 in Books 2005-01-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.40 x .90 x 8.40l; .90 #File Name: 0195673085436 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An excellent treatment of Sikh HistoryBy Sekhar BanerjeeI was totally fascinated by the book. I had no idea how the Sikhs evolved and struggled through the ages; until I read the book. All Indians should read this book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I thought I knew my history well. Boy was ...By S RI thought I knew my history well. Boy was I wrong...the book is well written and informative.I just ordered volume 2.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The book was in excellent conditionBy BPGood book in a good condition. Provides a windows into Sikh history. Describes punjab region and it history. The langaug is hard to follow takes time to read.
