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Averroes and the teleological argument

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 November 2002

TANELI KUKKONEN
Affiliation:
Department of Systematic Theology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 33, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract

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The proofs for God's existence advanced in the most prominent theological work of Averroes (d. 1198), the Kitaˆb al-kashf, have been neglected, largely because the book has commonly – and correctly – been viewed as being meant for popular consumption. This article argues that although Averroes' arguments are non-technical, the Commentator nevertheless takes pains not to speak against his philosophical beliefs. Averroes distinguishes between inductive and deductive arguments, with conventional arguments from design falling into the former camp. Averroes also assigns a place for teleological argumentation when assigning a special role for the prime mover within the hierarchy of unmoved movers.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2002 Cambridge University Press