Description
This study delves into Fakhr al-Din al-Razi'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-Razi 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 (tasawwur) as advanced by Abu Nasr al-Farabi (870-950) and Ibn Sina (980-1037), and his refinement of Abd-l-Qahir al-Gurgani's (1009-1078) theory of linguistic composition (na m), emphasizing language's expressive capacity (bayan) and the Qur an's unique linguistic structure. By analyzing these facets, the study reconstructs al-Razi'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-Razi's role in harmonizing diverse traditions and advancing a profound theory of linguistic understanding. This theory is essential for engaging with al-Razi's extensive written heritage.
mostafa najafi, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
