Ibn Sinaâs Conditional Cosmopolitanism

Hannah C. Erlwein

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ChapterÂ 11 Ibn Sinaâs Conditional Cosmopolitanism

In: The World as a City

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Hannah C. Erlwein

Hannah C. Erlwein
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 233â250

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004741898_013

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Abstract

This chapter investigates whether the idea of cosmopolitanism can be found in the writings of Ibn Sina (d.Â 427â¯AH/1037â¯CE), arguably the most influential philosopher in the premodern Islamic tradition. It argues that this idea can indeed be foundâif âcosmopolitanismâ is understood as denoting the idea that any divide between the polity (polis) and the world (kosmos) in the sphere of politics is removed. In the part of the Metaphysics of the Healing (al-IlÄhiyyÄt min al-Å ifÄÊ¾) which deals with political thought, Ibn Sina envisions the ideal city. This city has the potential to become a cosmopolitan world-city by subjugating all other cities and unifying them under its law and way of organising society. Ibn Sinaâs cosmopolitanism, this chapter argues, is a âconditional cosmopolitanismâ as he does not categorically demand the subjugation of other cities by the ideal city, but stipulates conditions for it. And yet, the ideal city is most suited to become a cosmopolitan world-city since its laws and organisation of society reflect human nature in the best way possible.

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The World as a City

A Philosophical Image between the Ancient World and the Three Monotheisms

Series:Â Ancient Philosophy & Religion, Volume: 13

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004741898

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 24 Oct 2025

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Front Matter

Part 1 The Philosophical and Religious Roots of Cosmopolitanism

Part 2 The Metaphor of City in Pagan, Jewish, Christian and Islamic Cosmologies

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ChapterÂ 11 Ibn Sinaâs Conditional Cosmopolitanism

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The World as a City

A Philosophical Image between the Ancient World and the Three Monotheisms

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ChapterÂ 11 Ibn Sinaâs Conditional Cosmopolitanism