Islamic Political Thought and the Greek Legacy: the Social Covenant and Charismatic Authority

Vasileios Syros

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Chapter 9 Islamic Political Thought and the Greek Legacy: the Social Covenant and Charismatic Authority

In: Brill's Companion to the Legacy of Greek Political Thought

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Vasileios Syros

Vasileios Syros
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 244–286

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004679344_011

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Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to reappraise the influence of the ancient Greek legacy on various Islamic theories about the origins of human society and political authority in the medieval and early modern periods. The endeavour to reconcile pagan learning and revealed knowledge generated diverse approaches to the evolution of human civilisation and the divine provenance of kingship. Islamic theories of social genesis are predicated on a distinct concept of social covenant that prevailed in the Islamic world long before the emergence of social contract theories in Western Europe. At the same time, it is tied to a proto-Weberian notion of charismatic leadership that stresses the ruler’s exceptional qualities and status as God’s deputy on earth that was nurtured by the teachings of Islam and coloured by the Greek and other traditions.

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Brill's Companion to the Legacy of Greek Political Thought

Series: Brill's Companions to Philosophy: Ancient Philosophy, Volume: 8 and Brill's Companions to Philosophy, Volume: 8

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004679344

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 16 Sep 2024

Subjects
- Classical Studies
  - Ancient Philosophy
- Philosophy
  - Ancient Philosophy
  - Social & Political Philosophy

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Chapter 9 Islamic Political Thought and the Greek Legacy: the Social Covenant and Charismatic Authority

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Brill's Companion to the Legacy of Greek Political Thought

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