Long Commentary on the De anima
Averroes reads Aristotle on sensation, imagination and intellect. His account of intellect and its relation to individuals generated enduring philosophical debate.
Understanding the text
The long commentary is principally known through a medieval Latin translation; transmission must be distinguished from the lost Arabic wording.
Key points
- 01
Sensation
Knowledge begins with bodily capacities and their objects.
- 02
Imagination
Images participate in thought without being identical to intelligible concepts.
- 03
Intellect
The relation between intellect, individuals and knowledge is disputed.
Explore the ideas in depth
Intellect and soul
Averroes reads Aristotle on sensation, imagination and intellect. His account of intellect and its relation to individuals generated enduring philosophical debate.
Sensation
Knowledge begins with bodily capacities and their objects. The long commentary is principally known through a medieval Latin translation; transmission must be distinguished from the lost Arabic wording.
Imagination
Images participate in thought without being identical to intelligible concepts. Follow the commentary alongside Aristotle and distinguish Latin transmission from modern debates.
Intellect
The relation between intellect, individuals and knowledge is disputed. The long commentary is principally known through a medieval Latin translation; transmission must be distinguished from the lost Arabic wording.
Questions to carry into your reading
- What argument supports your interpretation?
- How does the text’s transmission change your reading?
Follow the commentary alongside Aristotle and distinguish Latin transmission from modern debates.
How to read it
Follow the commentary alongside Aristotle and distinguish Latin transmission from modern debates.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗