Islamic Philosophy and the Crisis of Modernity: Leo Strauss’s Relationship with al-Fārābī, Avicenna, and Averroes

Unveils the profound influence of medieval Islamic philosophy on the thought of Leo Strauss. This study examines the impact of the medieval Muslim philosophers al-Fārābī, Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna) and Ibn Rushd (Averroes) on Leo Strauss. Through meticulous source analysis, Georges Tamer critically evaluates Strauss’s interpretation of their works. Furthermore, he explores how Islamic philosophy shaped Strauss’s understanding of Maimonides and Plato, providing a compelling solution to the modernity crisis he identified. Offering fresh perspectives on the evolution of Strauss’s thought and his distinctive approach to Arabic sources, Tamer sheds light on the pivotal role of al-Fārābī, the most significant Muslim philosopher in Strauss’s view, including key aspects of al-Fārābī’s political philosophy and his nuanced take on Plato’s ideas. Islamic Philosophy and the Crisis of Modernity is a valuable addition to current scholarship on Strauss. Both philosophically erudite and philologically rigorous, Tamer presents the reader with a balanced perspective on Strauss’s insights without being overly reverential or dismissive.