Walbridge is an expert in Islamic philosophy and intellectual history, with a particular focus on the cultural roles of philosophy and science. His research also delves into Graeco-Islamic medicine. His work explores the intricate connections between reason, faith, and science within the Islamic tradition, illuminating how philosophical and scientific thought shaped Islamic societies and cultures. Walbridge's analyses offer profound insights into the evolution of Islamic intellectual traditions.
This book investigates the central role of reason in Islamic intellectual life, arguing that rational methods, not fundamentalism, have characterized Islamic law, philosophy and education since the medieval period. The future of Islam, John Walbridge argues, will be marked by a revival of the intellectual tradition of rationalism.
Focusing on the twelfth-century philosopher Suhrawardi, the book delves into the interplay between Platonic thought and the romanticization of oriental wisdom. It examines Suhrawardi's efforts to revive Platonism amidst Avicennan Aristotelianism and discusses the influence of ancient cultures, including Egypt, Persia, and India, on his philosophy. Additionally, it addresses the broader implications of Platonic and Suhrawardian orientalism across different cultures throughout history, offering a nuanced perspective on the philosophical landscape of the time.
Focusing on the philosophical contributions of Suhrawardi, this work explores his pivotal role in shifting Islamic thought from Avicenna's neo-Aristotelianism to a more mystical orientation. It delves into the Neoplatonic roots of his "Illuminationist" philosophy, highlighting the influence of figures like Pythagoras and Plato. The author emphasizes mystical intuition and symbolism as essential elements of Suhrawardi's approach, while also providing a translation of his significant dream that reveals the foundations of his epistemology.