Spektrum Iran

Abstract This paper examines Al-Fārābī's concept of metaphysics. After providing an overview of Al-Fārābī's life and major works, the origin of the term and the various designations (Divine Science, First Philosophy, Wisdom, Theology) as well as the essence of metaphysics are presented. The study then focuses on Al-Fārābī's work On the Aims of the Philosopher (i.e., Aristotle) in Each Treatise of the Book Designated with Letters (i.e., the Metaphysics) (Fī Aġrāḍ al-Ḥakīm fī kull maqāla min al-kitāb al-mausūm bi-l-ḥurūf). A key aspect is the distinction between particular sciences and the one universal science. Finally, a brief reference is made to Al-Fārābī's attempt to establish the concept of the state on a metaphysical foundation. In the appendix, Friedrich Dieterici's German translation of Al-Fārābī's Treatise on the Intentions of Aristotelian Metaphysics by the Second Master is included.