Revelation in al-Fārābī’s Virtuous City

This chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of al-Fārābī’s treatment of revelation in his Mabādi’ Ārā’ Ahl al-Madīnat al-Fāḍilah (The Principles of the Opinions of the People of the Virtuous City). It explores the structure of his theory, its philosophical origins, and its integration with other aspects of his thought. By exploring the connections between his psychological theory and broader metaphysical commitments, this study shows how al-Fārābī adapted and refined Aristotelian and Neoplatonic ideas in order to construct a systematic account of revelation. To accomplish this, I first provide the reader with a working understanding of al-Fārābī’s theory of revelation as it is presented in the Mabādi’. I then place this theory among its sources, especially those texts and recensions that have been recently proposed as the foundations of al-Fārābī’s doctrine. I then conclude by addressing the gaps in these sources, arguing that al-Fārābī’s pedagogical theory provides a unique resolution to this in-completeness, showcasing his innovative synthesis of inherited traditions.