Abstract

This study deals with the materialistic tendencies of Averroes and his attempt of reconciliation between these tendencies and his belief in his religious principles. The conflict between philosophy and religion is not a modern phenomenon but rather runs thoughout the history of thoughts. ;Averroes' materialistic and rationalistic tendencies are shown here through his strong argumentations for the validity of three principles: the eternity of the world, the theory of knowledge, and efficient causality. It is pointed out how his position on these questions differ radically from those who hold the opposite view, namely, the Idealists. ;However, the dilemma here is that Averroes' position contradicts his basic belief in the truth of his religion. Therefore, a major portion of this study deals with his serious attempt at finding a solution to this dilemma. ;In the latter part of this work, it is shown how Averroes argues for the unity of the world. It is also argued that his earlier argumentations for the validity of the materialistic-rationalistic principles does not negate the existence of a spiritual principle, but rather they strengthen that existence. ;Averroes' solution to the conflict of philosophy and religion is presented as a novel and a logical one. His basic concept here is that the realm of philosophy and the realm of religion must be kept separated. Any attempt to unify the two domains will result in a situation where one will dominate the other. Therefore, each sphere must be safeguarded from the encroachment of the other. ;Averroes came closer than anyone to providing a common ground for peaceful co-existence between philosophy and religion. If there is a contradiction between Scriptural text and a philosophical principle, the text can be explained to find an inner meaning that accords with the philosophical principle. He believes that the universal nature of Scripture lends itself to this interpretation. He calls this method allegorical interpretation