An Attempt to Determine the Characteristics of Andalusian Logic

Abstract

The Andalusian logic refers to the logical studies that existed between the 10th and 13th centuries of Andalusian history. During this period, seven names are mentioned who have contributed to the science of logic. These are; Ibn Hazm, Abu al-Salt, Ibn Bajja, Ibn Rushd, Maimonides, Ibn Tumlus and Ibn Sab'in. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of Andalusian logic with in the scope of the "narrowed organon" based on the texts of the aforementioned names. It is shaped around three main topics: the background of Andalusian logic, the critical problems of logic, and the distinctive characteristics of each logician. The background of Andalusian logic lies in the texts of Aristotle and al-Farabi. This is the common feature of Andalusian logic. The second way to reveal the characteristics of Andalusian logic was to determine the approaches of logicians to the logic. These problems were about the parts of logic, the relation categories to logic, the types of contrapositives of propositions, the rotation of propositions, the classes of modality and the fourth form of syllogism. A common Andalusian approach to logic was adopted in the resolution of these problems. The general picture of Andalusian logic emerges based on the foundations of Aristotle and al-Farabi as well as the aforementioned problems. However, distinct characteristics of each logician are important in order to reveal the character of Andalusian logic. In this context, the unique characteristics of all logicians have been highlighted. Thus, this article attempts to provide an opportunity to see both the general view of Andalusian logic and the special aspects of all logicians.