2012/08/26 by Hisham Ghassib, Ghassib, Hisham
Arts and Humanities · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Historical Astronomy and Related Studies #Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies #History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph) #Medieval and Classical Philosophy #physics.hist-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1208.5208
arxiv created 2012/08/26 · openalex publication_date 2012/08/26 · arxiv updated 2012/08/28 · openalex created_date 2022/10/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
A Hegelian version of the concept of problematic is used to investigate the underlying theoretical unity and structure of Arabic physical science (physics, astronomy and chemistry). A contradictory triad (associated with Platonism, Aristotelian philosophy and Ptolemaic science) is identified at the heart of the Arabic project for physical science. The paper focuses on the valiant attempts made by leading Arabic scientists to overcome these contradictions without transcending or tearing apart the prevailing problematic. The following question is then addressed: why was Arabic physical science reformist, rather than revolutionary, unlike Renaissance European physical science? An answer is proposed in terms of the history, nature and decline of Arabic rationalism.