The figures · Philosophers

Al-Kindi

Ya'qub ibn Ishaq al-Kindi

Al-Kindi is often called the philosopher of the Arabs for his early role in Arabic philosophy.

BORN c. 801 CE · Kufa, IraqDIED c. 873 CE · Baghdad, IraqERA Abbasid

NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION

Helped introduce Greek philosophical vocabulary into Arabic intellectual life.

THE RECORD

He worked in the Abbasid translation and scientific environment.
His writings covered metaphysics, mathematics, music, medicine, and optics.
He argued that truth can be received from earlier peoples when disciplined by reason.