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Peter Adamson

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich School of Ancient Philosophy, Department Member

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Address: Lehrstuhl VI für spätantike und arabische Philosophie
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1
80539 München

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Papers by Peter Adamson

Miskawayh on Animals

Recherches de théologie et philosophie médiévales , 2022

Drawing on all the extant philosophical works of Miskawayh, including his well known Refinement o... more Drawing on all the extant philosophical works of Miskawayh, including his well known Refinement of Character, this paper aims to determine his attitudes towards the psychological capacities and moral standing of non-human animals. Miskawayh most often mentions animals as a contrast to the rationality of humans, but also grants animals likenesses or lesser versions of typically human traits like virtues and friendship. It is argued that for Miskawayh, the teleological design of animals gives humans reasons to show them justice.

Encyclopedia of Islam 3: al-Kindi

reference work article on al-Kindi

Yaḥyā Ibn ʿAdī against al-Kindī on the Trinity

Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, 2020

A discussion and translation of Ibn ʿAdī's response to al-Kindī's critique of the doctrine of the... more

Plotinus Arabus and Proclus Arabus in the Harmony of the Two Philosophers Ascribed to al-Farabi

Reading Proclus and the Book of Causes, vol.2, 2021

“Present without being Present”: Plotinus on Plato’s Daimon

The Existence of Time in Faḫr al-Dīn al-Rāzī's al-Maṭālib al-ʿāliya

A study of Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī's discussion of whether time exists. Spoiler alert: yes.

Dialectical Method in Alexander of Aphrodisias’ Treatises on Fate and Providence

This article offers an analysis of the argumentative method of two treatises by Alexander of Aphr... more This article offers an analysis of the argumentative method of two treatises by Alexander of Aphrodisias, On Fate and On Providence, the latter of which is preserved only in Arabic translation. It is argued that both texts use techniques from Aristotelian dialectic, albeit in different ways, with On Fate adhering to methods outlined in Aristotle’s Topics whereas On Providence uses the ‘aporetic’ method familiar from texts like Metaphysics B. This represents a revision of a previous study of Alexander’s method in On Fate by Jaap Mansfeld, which emphasized parallels between that method and the techniques of ancient skepticism. It is however suggested that Alexander does reflect developments in epistemology during the Hellenistic period, especially insofar as he ‘upgrades’ the status of endoxa to play something like the role of common conceptions in the dogmatic Hellenistic schools.

Encyclopedia of Medieval Philosophy: al Kindi

Al-Kindī (c. 800–870) was the first figure in the Arabic philosophical tradition to make explicit... more Al-Kindī (c. 800–870) was the first figure in the Arabic philosophical tradition to make explicit and extensive use of Greek ideas. He is thus often described as the first philosopher of this tradition. He also oversaw the work of translators who rendered works by Aristotle, Plotinus, Proclus, and others into Arabic. His own writings, usually in the form of epistles to patrons, range widely over the topics of Greek philosophy and science. His fusion of Aristo-telianism with Neoplatonism was intended to be congenial to Islam, and this approach influenced several other authors of the early Arabic philosophical tradition.

Encyclopedia of Medieval Philosophy - Sarakhsi

Aḥmad ibn al-Ṭayyib al-Sarakhsī (c. 835–899) was a ninth-century polymath and student of the more... more Aḥmad ibn al-Ṭayyib al-Sarakhsī (c. 835–899) was a ninth-century polymath and student of the more famous al-Kindī. He worked in a number of fields, including philosophy, geography , refined literature (adab), and scientific areas such as medicine and astrology. His writings are almost entirely lost, and it is thus unclear to what extent his philosophical output went beyond transmitting the thought of his master al-Kindī.

Encyclopedia of Islam III: Existence in philosophy and theology

An overview of the concept of "existence (wujud)" in philosophy and philosophical theology of the... more

State of Nature: Human and Cosmic Rulership in Ancient Philosophy

A study of the pervasive ancient philosophical metaphor comparing cosmos, city, household, and in... more

Neoplatonism: the Last Ten Years

A survey of Neoplatonic studies from about 2005-2014, describing major themes and changes in the ... more

Miskawayh on Pleasure

This paper provides an analysis and translation of a previously edited, but otherwise unstudied w... more This paper provides an analysis and translation of a previously edited, but otherwise unstudied work by Miskawayh (d. 1030) entitled On Pleasures and Pains. After a brief orientation regarding the Aristotelian account of pleasure in the Nicomachean Ethics, which is Miskawayh’s main source,
the theory of pleasure set out in On Pleasures and Pains is compared to the discussion of pleasure in Miskawayh’s better known Refinement of Character. Despite considerable harmony between the two texts, their treatments of pleasure
differ in that the Refinement accepts, whereas On Pleasures and Pains rejects, the “restoration” theory of pleasure of Plato’s Timaeus.

Philosophy of Language in the Medieval Arabic Tradition

by Peter Adamson and Alexander Key

A study of ideas about language in the classical period of philosophy in the Islamic world, touch... more

Encyclopedia of Islam III: Ethics in Philosophy

An overview of ethics in the Arabic philosophical tradition.

Ethics: the Arabic Tradition

One of a Kind: Plotinus and Porphyry on Unique Instantiation

Avicenna and his Commentators on Human and Divine Self-Intellection

The Last Philosophers of Late Antiquity in the Arabic Tradition

Freedom and Determinism in Medieval Philosophy

Miskawayh on Animals

Recherches de théologie et philosophie médiévales , 2022

Drawing on all the extant philosophical works of Miskawayh, including his well known Refinement o... more Drawing on all the extant philosophical works of Miskawayh, including his well known Refinement of Character, this paper aims to determine his attitudes towards the psychological capacities and moral standing of non-human animals. Miskawayh most often mentions animals as a contrast to the rationality of humans, but also grants animals likenesses or lesser versions of typically human traits like virtues and friendship. It is argued that for Miskawayh, the teleological design of animals gives humans reasons to show them justice.

Encyclopedia of Islam 3: al-Kindi

reference work article on al-Kindi

Yaḥyā Ibn ʿAdī against al-Kindī on the Trinity

Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, 2020

A discussion and translation of Ibn ʿAdī's response to al-Kindī's critique of the doctrine of the... more

Plotinus Arabus and Proclus Arabus in the Harmony of the Two Philosophers Ascribed to al-Farabi

Reading Proclus and the Book of Causes, vol.2, 2021

“Present without being Present”: Plotinus on Plato’s Daimon

The Existence of Time in Faḫr al-Dīn al-Rāzī's al-Maṭālib al-ʿāliya

A study of Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī's discussion of whether time exists. Spoiler alert: yes.

Dialectical Method in Alexander of Aphrodisias’ Treatises on Fate and Providence

This article offers an analysis of the argumentative method of two treatises by Alexander of Aphr... more This article offers an analysis of the argumentative method of two treatises by Alexander of Aphrodisias, On Fate and On Providence, the latter of which is preserved only in Arabic translation. It is argued that both texts use techniques from Aristotelian dialectic, albeit in different ways, with On Fate adhering to methods outlined in Aristotle’s Topics whereas On Providence uses the ‘aporetic’ method familiar from texts like Metaphysics B. This represents a revision of a previous study of Alexander’s method in On Fate by Jaap Mansfeld, which emphasized parallels between that method and the techniques of ancient skepticism. It is however suggested that Alexander does reflect developments in epistemology during the Hellenistic period, especially insofar as he ‘upgrades’ the status of endoxa to play something like the role of common conceptions in the dogmatic Hellenistic schools.

Encyclopedia of Medieval Philosophy: al Kindi

Al-Kindī (c. 800–870) was the first figure in the Arabic philosophical tradition to make explicit... more Al-Kindī (c. 800–870) was the first figure in the Arabic philosophical tradition to make explicit and extensive use of Greek ideas. He is thus often described as the first philosopher of this tradition. He also oversaw the work of translators who rendered works by Aristotle, Plotinus, Proclus, and others into Arabic. His own writings, usually in the form of epistles to patrons, range widely over the topics of Greek philosophy and science. His fusion of Aristo-telianism with Neoplatonism was intended to be congenial to Islam, and this approach influenced several other authors of the early Arabic philosophical tradition.

Encyclopedia of Medieval Philosophy - Sarakhsi

Aḥmad ibn al-Ṭayyib al-Sarakhsī (c. 835–899) was a ninth-century polymath and student of the more... more Aḥmad ibn al-Ṭayyib al-Sarakhsī (c. 835–899) was a ninth-century polymath and student of the more famous al-Kindī. He worked in a number of fields, including philosophy, geography , refined literature (adab), and scientific areas such as medicine and astrology. His writings are almost entirely lost, and it is thus unclear to what extent his philosophical output went beyond transmitting the thought of his master al-Kindī.

Encyclopedia of Islam III: Existence in philosophy and theology

An overview of the concept of "existence (wujud)" in philosophy and philosophical theology of the... more

State of Nature: Human and Cosmic Rulership in Ancient Philosophy

A study of the pervasive ancient philosophical metaphor comparing cosmos, city, household, and in... more

Neoplatonism: the Last Ten Years

A survey of Neoplatonic studies from about 2005-2014, describing major themes and changes in the ... more

Miskawayh on Pleasure

This paper provides an analysis and translation of a previously edited, but otherwise unstudied w... more This paper provides an analysis and translation of a previously edited, but otherwise unstudied work by Miskawayh (d. 1030) entitled On Pleasures and Pains. After a brief orientation regarding the Aristotelian account of pleasure in the Nicomachean Ethics, which is Miskawayh’s main source,
the theory of pleasure set out in On Pleasures and Pains is compared to the discussion of pleasure in Miskawayh’s better known Refinement of Character. Despite considerable harmony between the two texts, their treatments of pleasure
differ in that the Refinement accepts, whereas On Pleasures and Pains rejects, the “restoration” theory of pleasure of Plato’s Timaeus.

Philosophy of Language in the Medieval Arabic Tradition

by Peter Adamson and Alexander Key

A study of ideas about language in the classical period of philosophy in the Islamic world, touch... more

Encyclopedia of Islam III: Ethics in Philosophy

An overview of ethics in the Arabic philosophical tradition.

Ethics: the Arabic Tradition

One of a Kind: Plotinus and Porphyry on Unique Instantiation

Avicenna and his Commentators on Human and Divine Self-Intellection

The Last Philosophers of Late Antiquity in the Arabic Tradition

Freedom and Determinism in Medieval Philosophy

Macrina's Method: Reason and Reasoning in Gregory of Nyssa's On Soul and Resurrection

This paper investigates Gregory of Nyssa's presentation of Macrina in a dialogue on the nature of... more This paper investigates Gregory of Nyssa's presentation of Macrina in a dialogue on the nature of the soul, and in particular Macrina's methodology in her philosophical argumentation. It is shown that her argument rests on the principle that things seek after, and are perfected by attaining, what is akin to them. At the conclusion the implications of the dialogue for Gregory's conception of gender are considered.

Why is Aspasia a Woman? Reflections on Plato's Menexenus

In this brief paper I suggest that Plato chose Aspasia as the author of the funeral oration in hi... more

Ibn Tufayl Beginnings.pdf

An attempt to understand Ibn Tufayl's reasons for giving two alternate beginnings to his philosop... more

Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī on Void

In this paper I examine Fakhr al-Din al-Razi's attempt to show, against arguments found in Avicen... more

Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī's Platonist Account of the Essence of Time [2020]

by Peter Adamson and Andreas Lammer

In: Philosophical Theology in Islam: Later Ashʿarism East and West. Edited by Ayman Shihadeh and Jan Thiele. Islamicate Intellectual History: Studies and Texts in the Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods 5. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2020

When we think of Ašʿarī responses to Avicenna (d. 428/1037), the first author to come to mind is ... more When we think of Ašʿarī responses to Avicenna (d. 428/1037), the first author to come to mind is al-Ġazālī (d. 505/1111), thanks to his Tahāfut al-falāsifa. This work is dominated by issues of philosophical theology. However, the Ašʿarī reactions to Avicenna both precede and exceed the Tahāfut. We already find al-Ġazālī's teacher al-Ǧuwaynī (d. 478/1085) drawing on Avicenna and, alongside the Tahāfut, another early attack on Avicenna came from al-Šahrastānī (d. 548/1153). It was only the beginning of centuries' worth of Ašʿarī engagement with Avicennian philosophy. This tradition had much to say about philosophical theology. Moreover, it is well known that theologians delved into Avicenna's logic too. Yet, Ašʿarī authors also took an interest in physics and treated this as a discipline worthy of discussion in its own right, while of course keeping sight of its significance for theology. An excellent example of such a engagement is the treatment of time given by the greatest Avicennising Ašʿarite of them all, Faḫr al-Dīn al-Rāzī (d. 606/1210). On the following pages, we shall analyse the relevant section of Faḫr al-Dīn's al-Maṭālib and show how it differs from the discussions of time in his earlier systematic works. We will also provide occasional references to his commentaries on two of Avicenna's works: al-Išārāt wa-l-tanbīhāt and the brief compendium ʿUyūn al-ḥikma.

Review of A.H. Akhtar, Philosophers, Sufis and Caliphs: Politics and Authority from Cordoba to Cairo and Baghdad

Review: Damien Janos, Ideas in Motion in Baghdad and Beyond

Review of D. Janos (ed.), Ideas in Motion in Baghdad and Beyond, published in Intellectual Histor... more

Review: Simon Swain, Bryson on Household Management

Review: Creation and the God of Abraham

Review: Libraries of the Neoplatonists

Here's a statistic for you: of the nearly 11 million words of extant Greek philosophical texts no... more Here's a statistic for you: of the nearly 11 million words of extant Greek philosophical texts now available in the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, about 58% were written by Neoplatonists and another 13% were written by Alexander and Themistius. This means that much more than half of the directly extant Greek philosophical tradition consists in original works of Neoplatonists, Neoplatonist commentaries on Plato and Aristotle, and other late ancient commentaries on Aristotle. The Neoplatonists and commentators are mostly what remains to us of what one might call the Greek 'philosophical library'.

Review: Remes, Neoplatonism

Review: Ikhwan al-Safa', Logic

Review: Proclus on the Cratylus

Review: Plotinus' Cosmology

Review of Burnyeat, Explorations in Ancient and Modern Philosophy

Review: Mohammed Rustom, The Triumph of Mercy. Philosophy and Scripture in Mulla Sadra

Review of Alwishah Hayes Aristotle and the Arabic Tradition

A review of Ahmed Alwishah & Josh Hayes (eds.). Aristotle and the Arabic Tradition (Cambridge: 20... more