The first collection of essays devoted to the Arabic philosopher Averroes's brilliant Commentary on Plato's "Republic," which survived the medieval period only in Hebrew and Latin translations.The first collection of essays devoted entirely to the medieval philosopher Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" includes a variety of contributors from across several disciplines and countries. The anthology aims to establish Averroes as a great philosopher in his own right, with special and unique insight into the world of Islam, as well as a valuable commentator on Plato. A major feature of the book is the first published English translation of Shlomo Pines's 1957 essay, written in Hebrew, on Averroes. The volume explores many aspects of Averroes's philosophy, including its teachings on poetry, philosophy, religion, law, and government. Other sections trace both the inspiration Averroes's work drew from past philosophers and the influence it had on future generations, especially in Jewish and Christian Europe. Scholars of medieval philosophy, ancient philosophy, Jewish studies, and the history of political thought more generally will find important insights in this volume. The anthology is also intended to provide the necessary background for teachers aiming to introduce Averroes's commentary into the classroom. With the Republic regularly appearing near the top of lists of the most frequently taught books in the history of philosophy, this volume shows how the most important medieval commentary on it deserves a place in the curriculum as well.

IntroductionAlexander OrwinSection 1: Averroes and His TeachersImposing Alfarabi on Plato: Averroes's Novel Placement of the Platonic CityAlexander OrwinIbn Bajja: An Independent Reader of the RepublicJosep Puig MontadaSection 2: Poetry, Philosophy, and LogicExpelling Dialectics from the Ideal State: Making the World Safe for Philosophy in Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic"Yehuda HalperMusic, Poetry, and Politics in Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic"Douglas KriesSection 3: Law, Religion, and PhilosophyAverroes on Family and Property in the Commentary on Plato's "Republic"Catarina BeloNotes on Averroes's Political TeachingShlomo Pines (trans. Alexander Orwin)The Shari?a of the Republic: Islamic Law and Philosophy in Averroes Commentary on Plato's "Republic"Rasoul NamaziAn Indecisive Truth: Divine Law and Philosophy in the Decisive Treatise and Commentary on Plato's "Republic"Karen TaliaferroSection 4: Wisdom, Government, and the Character of the Political CommunityAverroes between Jihad and McWorldMichael KochinThe Essential Qualities of the Ruler in Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic"Rosalie Helena de Souza PereiraNatural Perfection or Divine FiatJoshua ParensPhilosopher Kings and Counsellors: How Should Philosophers Participate in Politics?Alexander OrwinSection 5: Averroes's Reception in EuropeThree Readings of Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" in Medieval Jewish ThoughtAlexander GreenThe Two Hebrew-into-Latin Translations of Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic": Method, Motivation, and ContextMichael EngelBibliographyContributorsIndex