By Natural Philosopher Michael Alan Prestwood
Search
Close this search box.
By Natural Philosopher Michael Alan Prestwood
Login
Join Now
Why Join?

TIMELINE STORY

Al-Farabi (872-950)

  • Last Updated: 10 Apr 2024
  • Last Updated: 3 months ago
From Year 0 (BCE/CE): 872
Share :
Email
Print

Al-Farabi (872-950)

Al-Farabi (872-950)

46 Generations Ago

30 Phil, Chapter 16: Al-Farabi and Intellect
Al-Farabi was born along the Silk Road circa 872 CE in the city of Farab, in present-day Kazakhstan. Al-Farabi’ thought was rooted in Platonic and Aristotelian frameworks, yet it seamlessly wove in elements of Islamic thinking. He imagined an ideal society, steered by virtuous leaders akin to Plato’s philosopher-kings, guiding them towards a virtuous existence. In his vision, true wisdom was the foundation of an intellectual civilization.

Pictured: Artist impression.

Share this on...

More Timeline Stories...

WWB Menu
September 11, 2024 Edition
1. Philosophy >

Did the Buddha believe in rebirth or reincarnation?

2. Science >

Did Homo heidelbergensis speak?

3. Critical Thinking >

Why do people believe wrong things?

4. History!

Did the Buddha believe in Mount Meru and the six realms of existence?

Quote of the Week

“Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.”

WWB Home
Weekly Wisdom Builder 
4 minutes of leisurely exploration.
September 11, 2024 Edition

1START: Philosophy >

The Buddha’s concept of essence contrasts with the idea of reincarnation, which implies that the soul or self is reborn in a new body. The Buddha adopted the concept of rebirth in this context.

Did the Buddha believe in rebirth or reincarnation?

2Science >

Imagined image depicting two Homo heidelbergensis individuals at different stages of their evolutionary timeline. The first individual represents what they might have looked like around 650,000 years ago, and the second shows them around 440,000 years ago, just before the transition towards Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Did Homo heidelbergensis speak?

3Critical Thinking >

The key to overcoming confirmation bias isn’t just acknowledging that it exists, but actively working to confront it. Beliefs are shaped by the information we choose to allow into our minds and you have a process for that now. Audit that process on a continuous basis.

Why do people believe wrong things?

4History!

The Buddha used Mount Meru and the six realms as metaphors to guide followers toward enlightenment. His teachings focused on overcoming suffering in this life, suggesting that the essence of his message transcends the mythologies of his time, urging us to seek deeper meaning beyond the surface of beliefs.

Did the Buddha believe in Mount Meru and the six realms of existence?

Quote of the Week
“Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.”
  • Epicurus
  • Circa 300 BCE
The Philosophy of Philosophy
TAKE-AWAY: Epicurus believed that philosophy should be practical, not just theoretical. For him, true wisdom helps us live happier lives by easing our stress, fears, and pain—philosophy with a purpose.
Time Left: 
Weekly Wisdom Builder Home

Email Notification
Subscribe to our Weekly Wisdom Builder: It’s Free! No ads! No catches! One email each Thursday.

Subscribe Now
Exactly what the world needs RIGHT NOW!
Wisdom at the crossroads of knowledge.

Wisdom emerges from the consistent exploration of the intersections of philosophy, science, critical thinking, and history.

Coming December!

30 Philosophers: A New Look at Timeless Ideas

by Mike Prestwood

Placeholder image.

Uncover the Timeless Wisdom of 30 Philosophers!

More Info
divider-red-swirls1.png
Scroll to Top