Avempace

Avempace (also known as Ibn Bâjja) was an Andalusian polymath: his writings include works regarding astronomy, physics, and music, as well as philosophy, medicine, botany, and poetry.

Life

Avempace was born in Zaragoza, Aragon, and his name appears to be derived from the Arabic Ibn Bâjja (ابن باجه). Little is known about his life, and his biography has been patched together from hints in his work. He served as a vizier in the Almoravid court before his death in 1138.

Work

Avempace's work was largely influenced by the philosophy of Aristotle. He made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, physics, and music, as well as philosophy, medicine, botany, and poetry. His philosophical views have been described as a form of pantheistic monism, and he has been claimed as a precursor of Spinoza.

Philosophy

Avempace's philosophy can be seen as a precursor to the later developments of Averroism. He argued for the existence of a relationship between the soul and the body, and that the soul can exist independently of the body. He also believed in the concept of a "perfect man" who is able to understand the divine and achieve a union with the Active Intellect.

Medicine

In the field of medicine, Avempace wrote a number of works, including a treatise on the cure of fevers and a study on the effects of diet on health. He also wrote about the medicinal properties of various plants and herbs.

Legacy

Avempace's work had a significant influence on later Muslim philosophers, including Averroes and Maimonides. His ideas also found their way into the work of Christian philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas.

See also

• List of Muslim scientists
• Islamic Golden Age
• Islamic philosophy

External links

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Avempace

Avempace Resources
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