Al-Kindi
~801–873 · Arab (Abbasid Caliphate) · Islamic Golden Age
Known for: Father of Islamic philosophy who introduced Greek thought to the Arabic world and wrote 260+ works
The first major Arab philosopher, a polymath with 260+ works spanning philosophy, mathematics, physics, and music. He courageously argued truth should be accepted 'from whatever source.'
Served at the Abbasid court during the translation movement but was eventually persecuted, his library confiscated. His work initiated the tradition that preserved Greek thought for Europe.
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