Non – Aristotelian elements in the philosophy of Avicenna

Dr. Ibrahim Dadjo

Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā) is the inheritor of Peripatetic philosophy. Peripatetic philosophy is the same as Aristotle’s philosophy, and Avicenna always praised Aristotle because he reformed and reorganized philosophy in a logical and intellectual framework so that one can assess its truth and falsehood according to reason.

However, Avicenna in his philosophizing was developing new approaches, and under several decisive elements he produced a new collection and presented his special philosophy.

Four decisive elements in presentation of Avicenna’s special philosophy are (1) Greek philosophy, (2) Islam, (3) mystical aptitude, and (4) intellectual genius.