Prominent Short Philosophical Books
Here are some of the most notable short philosophical works:
The Foundations of Philosophy
Authored by Professor Nigel Warburton, this book is considered one of the best introductory texts in philosophy. Classified as a concise and accessible read, it was published by the Arab Network for Research and Publishing in Beirut, Lebanon, and translated by Professor Mohamed Osman. The book covers various philosophical topics not merely through a historical perspective but by addressing key issues and significant dilemmas in philosophy, such as the meaning of life, concepts of politics, political philosophy, and the role of religion along with the essence of faith.
In the opening chapter, the author succinctly discusses the main definitions of philosophy and its history. However, Warburton’s methodology is not limited to a chronological account; instead, it aims to engage the reader with the central discussions in moral philosophy, values, and religion. He references Pascal’s Wager, considered one of the most crucial arguments for the necessity of faith.
The book also addresses concepts related to freedom, a philosophical issue connected to the self, or ego, and the other. It emphasizes that individual freedom cannot be conceived in isolation, as ensuring one’s freedom must consider the existence of others. Thus, Warburton arrives at notions of democracy and examines contemporary human experiences within modern political systems.
Fasl al-Maqal (The Decisive Treatise)
This work is one of the essential texts in Islamic philosophy. Despite its brevity, totaling fewer than 150 pages, it is a foundational book that delves into the relationship between religion and society. Its complete title is Fasl al-Maqal fi Ma Bayna al-Shari’a wal-Hikma min Ittisal, Wujub al-Nazr al-Aqli wa Hudud al-Tawil.
Authored by the renowned scholar Ibn Rushd, often referred to as the Philosopher of Cordoba, this book was published by the Center for Arab Unity Studies as part of the Project of Ibn Rushd’s Philosophical Heritage, edited and introduced by Dr. Muhammad Abed al-Jabri. Ibn Rushd addresses several significant philosophical issues, including:
- Clarifying the meaning of philosophy and exploring the relationship between religion and philosophy.
Ibn Rushd concludes that philosophy is fundamentally rooted in the theoretical pursuit of knowing the Almighty, as well as contemplating His creations. He argues that God would not grant humans intellect only to send down contradictory laws. Ibn Rushd famously stated that philosophy and religious law are like two nurturing sisters.
- Exploring the sciences of the ancients.
In this context, Ibn Rushd refers to Greek sciences, challenging the prohibitive rulings put forth by some scholars against the exploration of this knowledge. He provides a thorough explanation, emphasizing that adopting beneficial aspects of ancient knowledge is advantageous rather than harmful, as long as it is based on understanding and rational correction of errors, rather than uninformed acceptance.
A Call to Philosophy
This book comprises fragments of the lost works of the Greek philosopher Aristotle, compiled and translated into Arabic, with critical texts by Dr. Abdel-Ghaffar Makawi. It was published by Dar Al-Tanweer.
The fragments were not discovered until the mid-19th century, in which Aristotle elucidates the significance of philosophy, linking the concept of happiness to the effectiveness of reason, contemplation, and reflection. This text serves as one of the simplest introductions for readers keen to explore philosophical thought.