The Unseen

Abstract

Not all forms of political invisibility arise from the exclusionary predilections of rulers or from gradual changes in metaphysical assumptions. There is also intentional concealment, as Daniel Arioli notes in his comparative study of two eminent Islamic medieval philosophers, Alfarabi and Ibn Sina. Alfarabi argued that a virtuous city promotes happiness. Moreover, the best available way to organize politics (broadly understood to include religious practices) is not fixed and universal, but varies according to historical circumstances. Understanding that such ideas could threaten incumbent rulers, Alfarabi revealed his potentially subversive beliefs (especially about the role of prophets in the founding of political community) through subterfuge. Meanwhile, Ibn Sina argued that the primary purpose of politics was to contain the forces of chaos that threaten human affairs. Since this argument propped up existing, earthly orders, Ibn Sina did not feel compelled to hide his thoughts about the contribution of religious leaders to political regimes. Ironically, the theorist who was committed first and foremost to the non-spiritual goal of stability was more candid and straightforward when discussing the religious underpinnings of political order than was Alfarabi, who viewed healthy politics as intertwined with moral codes and soul craft.