Al-Kindi as Philosopher (What is philosophy and Choose two theory of Ethics)
- Musleh Saadi
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
Al-Kndi was born in Kufa to an aristocratic family of the Kinda tribe, descended from the
Chieftain al-Ash’ath ibn Qays, a contemporary of Prophet (PBUH), The family belonged to
The most prominent families of the tribal nobility of Kufa in the early Islamic period, until
It lost much of its power following the revolt of Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad ibn al-
Ash’ath. His father Ishaq was the governor of Kufa, and al-Kindi recieved his preliminary
Education there. He later went to complete his studies in Baghdad, where he was patronized
by the Abbasid caliphs al- Ma’mun (ruled 813-833) and al-Mu’tasim(833-842). On account
of his learning and aptitude for study, al-Ma’mun appointed him to the house of Wisdom, a
recently established centre for the Greek philosophical language and scientific texts, in
Baghdad He was also well known for his beautiful calligraphy, and at one point was employed
As calligrapher by Al-Mutawakkil. When al-Mu’mun died, his brother, al-Mu’tasim became
Caliph, Al- Kindi’s position would be inhanced under al Mu’tasim, who appointed him as a
Tutor to his son. But on the accession of al-Wathiq (842-847) and especially of al-Mutawakkil
( 847-861), al-Kndi’s star waned. There are various theories concerning this: some attribute
Al-Kindi’s downfall to scholarly rivalries at the House of Wisdom; other refer to al-
Mutawakkil’s often voilent persecution of unorthodox Muslims (as well as of non-Muslims);
at one-point temporary confiscated Henry Corbin, an authority on Islamic studies, says that in
873, al-Kindi died” a lonely man”, in Baghdad during the reign of al-Mu’tamid(870-892).
After his death, al-Kindi’s philosophical works quikly fell into obscurity and many of them
Were lost even to later Islamic scholars and historians. Felix Klein- Franke suggests a number of
reasons for this: aside from the militant orthodoxy of al-Mutawakkil, the Mongols also
destroyed countless libraries during their invasion. However, he says the most probable
cause of this was that his writings never found popularity amongst subsequent influential
philosophers such as Al-Farabi and Avicenna, who ultimately overshadowed him.
His philosophical career peaked under al-Mu’tasim, to whom al-Kindi dedicated
his most famous work, On First philosophy, and whose son Ahmed was tutored by Al-Kindi.
Why I choose this philosopher al-Kindi and all?
First, I choose philosopher one from all, al-Kindi because I impressed from his calligraphy
, Al-Kindi’s stories related with famous Muslim Caliphs and their eras and governor ship of his
father’s and biggest works on many famous topics which are (philosophy, Astronomy, optics,
Medicine, Chemistry, Mathematics, Cryptography, Meteorology, Music theory) accept these things and works,
which thing and reason, from we impressed some things works and choose this philosopher for
his work. Which are (Metaphysics, Epistemology, the soul and the afterlife, the relationship
between revelation and philosophy and the Critics and patrons). These all reasons and work
that I choose this philosopher .
Philosophy is the systematic study of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It seeks to understand the nature of reality, human existence, and the principles that govern thought and behavior. Philosophy is divided into several main branches, each addressing different aspects of these broad questions:
Main Branches of Philosophy:
1.Metaphysics: Examines the nature of reality, existence, and the universe. Questions include: What is real? Do we have free will? What is the relationship between mind and body?
2. Epistemology: Focuses on the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge. Questions include: What is knowledge? How do we acquire it? Can we be certain of anything?
3. Ethics: Investigates moral principles and values. Questions include: What is right and wrong? How should we live? What are our duties to others? Ethical theories discussed in your files include:
Deontology (Kantianism): Actions are morally right if they adhere to rules or duties (e.g., Kant's categorical imperative).
Divine Command Theory: Morality is based on God's commands.
Ethical Egoism: Individuals ought to act in their own self-interest.
4. Logic: Studies the principles of valid reasoning and argumentation. Questions include: What makes an argument sound? How can we avoid fallacies?
5.Aesthetics: Explores the nature of beauty, art, and taste. Questions include: What is art? Can beauty be defined?
6. Political Philosophy**: Examines concepts like justice, rights, and the state. Questions include: What is a just society? What is the role of government?
Key Themes from Your Files:
Deontology vs. Utilitarianism: Deontology focuses on rules and duties (e.g., Kant's moral law), while utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their consequences.
Divine Command Theory: Morality is tied to God's commands, but it faces challenges like the Euthyphro Dilemma (is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good?).
Ethical Egoism: Argues that self-interest is the foundation of morality, but it is criticized for being arbitrary and incompatible with impartiality.
Epistemology: Discusses the nature of knowledge, the difference between true belief and knowledge, and the role of justification.
Purpose of Philosophy:
Philosophy encourages critical thinking, clarity of ideas, and reasoned debate. It helps us navigate complex questions about life, morality, and the universe, providing tools to analyze arguments, question assumptions, and seek deeper understanding.
In summary, philosophy is a discipline that challenges us to think deeply about the world and our place in it, offering frameworks to address timeless questions about truth, morality, and existence.
Choose two theory types of Eiethics
1-Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a version of consequentialism, which states the consequences of any action
Are only standard wright and wrong. Utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories
That prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for all affected individuals.
2-Deontology
Deontology is the normative ethical theory that the morality of an action should be based
On whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules, rather than based on the
Consequences of the action.
Example
According to the Utilitarianism, anyone if any other person abuses something
This is not good morally and ethically.
Reasons
Why, anyone if any other person abuses on something, what will this do?
That the other person who was abused, that he will try to be more abusive than before.
This will make both of them angry at each other.
This will make things worse and will lead to more mischief and will not lead to
Bloodshed.
And then it can go to permanent enemies.
This proof that the abusing is not good morally and ethically.
Impressive
Amazing 👍
Fantastic