Averroes
The Andalusian-born philosopher, physician and scholar Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes, greatly influenced the development of philosophy and science throughout Europe. Averroes studied law, theology, and medicine in Spain. He was appointed a judge in Sevilla and Cordoba (1169), as well as physician to the court of caliph Abu Ya’qub Yusuf in Marrakech (1182). His commentaries on the works of Aristotle in the mid 1100s promoted an understanding of this Greek philosopher at a time when Aristotle’s work was not well studied or understood. Averroes sought to present the work of Aristotle free from the prejudices and misconceptions of earlier interpretations. Logic had been considered to be contradictory as a tool of scientific and religious study, and anathema to the teachings of both Islam and Christianity. Averroes argued against this view, paving the way for new directions in philosophy, science, and religion. Averroes also wrote a medical encyclopedia and a series of scholarly legal works. He was influential long after his death – Thomas Aquinas is said to have been influenced by Averroes’ work. Averroes died in 1126 in Marrakech. The asteroid 8318 Averroes was named in his honor.
