Résumés
Abstract
It has generally been assumed that Alfarabi’s understanding of Aristotle was distorted by his reliance on Aristotle’s transmitters. Owing to this, scholars regularly resort to seeking Alfarabi’s sources rather than seriously asking whether he could have, nonetheless, accurately grasped Aristotle’s teaching. This essay attempts, primarily through an analysis of the Philosophy of Aristotle, to reassess such assumptions. In particular, it argues that the Philosophy of Aristotle reveals a deep understanding of two aspects of Aristotle’s teaching about philosophy: the way to philosophy and the way to reestablish it when it has become confused or extinct. Rather than merely dogmatically describing Aristotle’s account of the origin, progress and perplexities of philosophy, as many scholars erroneously expect, Alfarabi enacts this account. Starting from the generally accepted opinions of his own time, Alfarabi dramatically portrays man’s experience as man and thus compels his readers to begin philosophizing for themselves. In this way, Alfarabi truly follows Aristotle’s deepest intention.
Résumé
Il est généralement admis que la compréhension qu’avait Alfarabi d’Aristote était déformée en raison de sa dépendance à l’égard des intermédiaires dans la transmission des travaux du philosophe. C’est pourquoi les érudits se lancent régulièrement dans une recherché des sources d’Alfarabi au lieu de se demander sérieusement s’il aurait pu néanmoins comprendre exactement l’enseignement d’Aristote. Cet essai tente, principalement à travers une analyse de La philosophie d’Aristote, de réévaluer de telles hypothèses. En particulier, il fait valoir que La philosophie d’Aristote révèle une profonde compréhension de deux aspects de l’enseignement d’Aristote sur la philosophie : le chemin vers la philosophie et le moyen de le rétablir s’il est devenu confus ou s’il s’est éteint. Plutôt que de simplement décrire de manière dogmatique l’exposé d’Aristote sur l’origine, la progression et les difficultés de la philosophie, comme beaucoup d’érudits s’y attendent, Alfarabi donne vie à cet exposé. Partant des opinions généralement acceptées de son temps, il décrit de manière dramatique l’expérience de l’humain en tant qu’humain et oblige ainsi ses lecteurs à commencer à philosopher par eux-mêmes. De cette manière, Alfarabi suit véritablement l’intention la plus profonde d’Aristote.
Parties annexes
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