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Ibn Rushd

Ibn Rushd (1126–1198), also known in Latin as Averroes, was an Andalusian philosopher, jurist, physician, and judge.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ibn Rushd (1126–1198), also known as Averroes, was an Andalusian philosopher, jurist, physician, and judge. He is especially known for his commentaries on Aristotle and for his influence on later Jewish and Christian philosophy.

Life and background

Ibn Rushd was born in Córdoba in 1126 and died in Marrakech in 1198. He lived in the intellectual world of Al-Andalus and the Almohad Empire, where he worked as a jurist, physician, and judge.

Philosophical work

Ibn Rushd is best known for his extensive commentaries on Aristotle and for defending philosophy against critics in works such as The Incoherence of the Incoherence.

Influence

His writings were influential in medieval Jewish and Christian scholarship and later became important in the history of European rationalism.

Other roles

Beyond philosophy, Ibn Rushd was trained and active in law and medicine, and he also served as a judge.

Key facts

  • Ibn Rushd was one of the most important philosophers in the Islamic intellectual tradition.
  • He is widely known in the Latin West as Averroes.
  • He wrote influential commentaries on Aristotle, which shaped later European thought.
  • Sources describe him as a foundational figure for post-classical European philosophy.
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Canadian context

Ibn Rushd is studied in philosophy, religious studies, and medieval history courses in Canada, especially in discussions of Aristotelian interpretation, Islamic philosophy, and the transmission of classical thought to Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ibn Rushd?
Ibn Rushd was a 12th-century Andalusian philosopher, jurist, physician, and judge best known in Europe as Averroes.
What is Ibn Rushd famous for?
He is famous for his commentaries on Aristotle and for defending the study of philosophy in an Islamic context.
What was Ibn Rushd's Latin name?
His Latinized name was Averroes.
Where was Ibn Rushd born?
He was born in Córdoba in 1126.
Why is Ibn Rushd important?
He is considered a major figure in Islamic philosophy and an important influence on later European thought.

References

  1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophyhttps://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ibn-rushd/
    Supports: Biographical details, intellectual significance, and philosophical importance.
  2. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophyhttps://iep.utm.edu/ibn-rushd-averroes/
    Supports: Overview of Ibn Rushd's life, works, and influence.
  3. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/summary/Averroes
    Supports: Birth and death places, occupations, and influence through Aristotelian commentaries.
  4. McGill Universityhttps://islamsci.mcgill.ca/RASI/BEA/Ibn_Rushd_BEA.htm
    Supports: Birth and death information and scientific/philosophical contributions.