7 Questions
Who was considered the greatest astronomer of his time and remained influential until Copernicus cited him in his book?
Al-Battani
Who combined history and "scientific geography" in his account of the world?
Al-Mas`udi
Who was known for his methodological and critical-thinking mind, tolerance, and love of truth?
Al-Biruni
Who presented the Aristotelian tradition as the "remedy for the soul"?
Ibn Sina
Which work of Ibn Sina superseded previous works and remained supreme in Muslim lands and Europe for six centuries?
Al-Qanun fi-l-tibb
What were Al-Biruni and Ibn Sina's long exchanges about that are considered "one of the highlights of Islamic intellectual history and in fact medieval natural philosophy and science in general"?
Questions related to motion, force, vacuum, and infinity
What impact did Ibn Sina's accomplishments have on intellectual life after him?
They discouraged original investigations and sterilized intellectual life after him.
Study Notes
- Al-Battani was a Muslim astronomer from Harran who died in Al-Raqqa, near Samarra. He was the greatest astronomer of his time and his work remained influential until Copernicus cited him in his book.
- Al-Mas`udi was an Arab historian and geographer from Baghdad who died in Cairo. He combined history and "scientific geography" in his account of the world.
- Al-Biruni was a polymath from Khwarizm who spent time in India and died in Ghazna. He was a historian, sociologist, geographer, geologist, astronomer, physicist, mathematician, and philosopher. He was known for his methodological and critical-thinking mind, tolerance, and love of truth.
- Ibn Sina was a philosopher, physician, mathematician, and astronomer from near Bukhara who died in Hamadan. He was the most famous scientist of Islam and presented the Aristotelian tradition as the "remedy for the soul."
- Ibn Sina's Al-Qanun fi-l-tibb was an encyclopedia of medical knowledge that superseded previous works and remained supreme in Muslim lands and Europe for six centuries.
- Ibn Sina's interests in mathematics were more philosophical than technical, and he made astronomical observations but was more interested in questions related to motion, force, vacuum, and infinity.
- Al-Biruni instigated long exchanges with Ibn Sina on these topics, which are considered "one of the highlights of Islamic intellectual history and in fact medieval natural philosophy and science in general."
- Ibn Sina's accomplishments were so complete that his work discouraged original investigations and sterilized intellectual life after him.
Test your knowledge on the great Muslim scientists of the past! From astronomers to philosophers, these intellectuals made significant contributions to the world of science and philosophy. Take this quiz to see how much you know about Al-Battani, Al-Mas'udi, Al-Biruni, and Ibn Sina, and their groundbreaking work that impacted the world for centuries to come.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
