The Arabic philosophical fable Hayy Ibn Yaqzan is a classic of medieval Islamic philosophy. Ibn Tufayl (d. 1185); the Andalusian philosopher; tells of a child raised by a doe on an equatorial island who grows up to discover the truth about the world and his own place in it; unaided—but also unimpeded—by society; language; or tradition. Hayy’s discoveries about God; nature; and man challenge the values of the culture in which the tale was written as well as those of every contemporary society.Goodman’s commentary places Hayy Ibn Yaqzan in its historical and philosophical context. The volume features a new preface and index; and an updated bibliography.“One of the most remarkable books of the Middle Ages.â€â€”Times Literary Supplement“An enchanting and puzzling story. . . . The book transcends all historical and cultural environments to settle upon the questions of human life that perpetually intrigue men.â€â€”Middle East Journal“Goodman has done a service to the modern English reader by providing a readable translation of a philosophically significant allegory.â€â€”Philosophy East and West“Add[s] bright new pieces to an Islamic mosaic whose general shape is already known.â€â€”American Historical Review
#100010 in Books 1981-01-01 2005-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.50 x 6.00l; 1.65 #File Name: 0226067114442 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thinking through bias and prejudice and how it colors the pastBy CustomerI appreciate his analysis and his perspective on how out prejudice of gays is wrongly projected upon Greece and Rome culture of its day. There was no cultural bias against gays in Rome or Greece. Unfortinately the bias arises because modern historians and interpreters project their cultraul bias against gays upon cultures like Greece and Rome. More study is needed. However; the strength of our culture needs to be balanced by the search for truth rather than the need or desire to substantiate our cultural standards and perspectives from earlier cultures.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not much new insite if you have any understanding of the subjectBy howardhThick with references; I had a difficult time getting through this. Most of the information had been presented at my church over the years and was something I had found out on my own. Be prepared; it is wordier that I expected.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Reading to Combat Spritual AbuseBy Dan NovoaThis is a great resource to assist ourselves or our clients (if you are in the helping profession--as licensed by a State board) to understand how religion has influenced our lives and those we treat. The book material can be an aid to Self-Acceptance of yourself or a loved one who is struggling with religious rhetoric.
