Ibn Rushd (Averroes). On the Methods of Proof for the Principles of Creed. Part One

Abstract

The article offers for the first time a translation from Arabic into Russian of a treatise by Ibn Rushd (Averroes 1126–1198 AD), which deals with the islamic belief system (aqida). The treatise is of exceptional interest for both the students of theology and philosophy: it was authored by a philosopher who used the language of a theologian – a phenomenon that does not have a precedent in Muslim culture. Ibn Rushd here shapes his understanding of aqida by polemically using as a background the Asharite theology. In the translation is offered the first chapter of the treatise, which deals with proofs of the God’s existence. The arguments used by the representatives of the Kalam, such as dalil al-huduth (“de novitiate mundi”), the dalil al-jawaz (or dalil al-imkan, argument of “contingent mundi”)are critically assessed. They are juxtaposed to such Qur’anic arguments dalil al-`inaya argument “from design” or “de providentia” or the dalil al-ikhtira` “de inventione” or “de creatione”.