Palimpsests of Themselves

This insightful book explores philosophy's evolution in postclassical Islamic history, focusing on the influential Palimpsests of Themselves and its significant contributions.

In Palimpsests of Themselves, Asad Q. Ahmed delves into the intricate discussions surrounding the evolution of philosophy within postclassical Islamic intellectual history. This work serves as a case study, focusing on the influential logic textbook from Muslim South Asia, The Ladder of the Sciences. For the first time, Ahmed provides an English translation of this significant text, accompanied by extensive commentary that sheds light on its profound impact.

Through his detailed analysis, Ahmed assesses the technical contributions of The Ladder of the Sciences while situating it within the broader social and institutional contexts that shaped its reception. The book examines the extensive commentarial responses that emerged, revealing how these interactions complicate prevailing narratives about the intellectual decline of Islam. By exploring the dynamics of philosophical commentary inherent to the tradition, Ahmed challenges existing assumptions and highlights the rich tapestry of knowledge transmission across the Islamic world.

Ultimately, Palimpsests of Themselves offers a compelling perspective on the legacy of Islamic philosophy, inviting readers to reconsider the complexities of intellectual history and the enduring significance of philosophical texts. This work not only enriches our understanding of the past but also emphasizes the relevance of these discussions in contemporary contexts.