The Philosophy of Seyyed Hossein Nasr – Tradition, Metaphysics, and the Sacred | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XXVIII, 2001 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, curated by Lewis Edwin Hahn, Randall E. Auxier, and Lucian W. Stone Jr., constitutes Volume XXVIII of the esteemed Library of Living Philosophers series, released in 2001. This groundbreaking volume marks the inaugural focus on a Muslim philosopher within the LLP series, showcasing the substantial impact of Seyyed Hossein Nasr (b. 1933)—a renowned scholar, metaphysician, and traditionalist intellectual whose contributions encompass Islamic philosophy, comparative religion, metaphysics, cosmology, and environmental studies.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr stands out as a leading figure among contemporary Islamic thinkers producing works in English. His dedication to sacred knowledge, perennial philosophy, and traditional metaphysics provides a compelling critique of both modernity and secular thought, rendering this volume not only philosophically sound but also culturally significant.
Included in this LLP edition are Nasr’s philosophical autobiography, notable works, critical analyses from global scholars, and Nasr’s insightful responses, establishing it as an essential resource for individuals keen on exploring Islamic philosophy, traditional thought, and spirituality.

Who Is Seyyed Hossein Nasr?

Seyyed Hossein Nasr is an Iranian philosopher presently serving as a professor of Islamic Studies at George Washington University. With an educational background from MIT and Harvard, Nasr has written over 50 books and numerous articles addressing subjects such as:

• Islamic philosophy and metaphysics
• Sufism and spiritual psychology
• Cosmology and natural sciences
• Comparative religion and timeless wisdom
• Environmental ethics and sacred cosmology

He represents a significant voice of the Traditionalist School (or Perennialism), asserting that all major faiths possess a shared transcendent unity of truths and that it is imperative to recover sacred knowledge to mend the spiritual disarray of modernity.

Contents of the Volume

In keeping with other entries in the Library of Living Philosophers, this volume adheres to a four-part structure:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

In this intimate narrative, Nasr shares his intellectual and spiritual odyssey from Tehran to Harvard and beyond. He reflects on:

• His interactions with Avicenna, Suhrawardi, and Mulla Sadra
• The influence of Frithjof Schuon and René Guénon on his thought
• His critique of contemporary science and secular modernism
• His contribution to the revival of the Islamic intellectual tradition in today’s context

Nasr’s autobiography underlines his enduring mission to safeguard sacred knowledge and live in accordance with the metaphysical tenets of the traditional worldview.

2. Selections from Nasr’s Work

This segment presents vital writings that encapsulate Nasr’s philosophical stance:

• Knowledge and the Sacred
• The Need for a Sacred Science
• Science and Civilization in Islam
• Islamic Science: An Illustrated Study
• Essays addressing metaphysics, esotericism, cosmology, aesthetics, and ecology

These selections highlight Nasr’s focus on the intellect (al-‘aql) as a pathway to understanding God, the primacy of metaphysical concepts, and the sacred essence inherent in Islamic philosophy.

3. Critical and Comparative Essays

Scholars from various corners of the globe examine, critique, and build upon Nasr’s concepts. Notable contributors include:

• William C. Chittick, James Cutsinger, John Esposito, Jacob Needleman, and Ali Lakhani

Topics explored include:

• Nasr’s contribution to the revival of Islamic metaphysics and cosmology
• His critique concerning modern science and his support for sacred science
• The connection between Sufism, esotericism, and philosophy
• Comparative insights with Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism
• Environmental Philosophy and the Spiritual Crisis of Modernity

4. Nasr’s Responses to His Critics

Nasr addresses his critics with a sense of clarity and humility, emphasizing the lasting importance of sacred metaphysics while providing justifications for various aspects of his work that may have been misunderstood. He elaborates on:

• The universal nature of the perennial philosophy
• The importance of tradition and authority in acquiring knowledge
• The necessity of sacred science for restoring balance between humanity and the natural world

Key Themes in Nasr’s Philosophy

1. Sacred Knowledge and the Intellect

Nasr posits that authentic knowledge is sacred, grounded in revelation, and attainable through intellect (al-‘aql)—a spiritual aspect that transcends basic reasoning. This perspective is crucial to his defense of metaphysics.

2. The Perennial Philosophy

Affiliated with the Traditionalist School, Nasr contends that all authentic religious traditions embody a transcendent unity of truths, despite their outward differences. This belief forms the foundation of his comparative study of religion and philosophy.

3. Islamic Metaphysics and Cosmology

Nasr references classical Islamic philosophers such as Avicenna, Suhrawardi, and Mulla Sadra to convey a worldview anchored in divine order, a hierarchy of existence, and symbolic cosmology.

4. Critique of Modern Science

In works like The Need for a Sacred Science, Nasr critiques secular science for its tendency toward reductionism and its disregard for meaning. He advocates for an approach to science that incorporates metaphysical concepts and honors the sacred character of reality.

5. Spiritual Ecology

Nasr is a trailblazer in Islamic environmental ethics, interpreting environmental degradation as a manifestation of spiritual crisis. He promotes a re-envisioned worldview that perceives nature as a reflection of divine reality.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Seyyed Hossein Nasr is vital reading for:

• Students studying Islamic philosophy, metaphysics, and religion
• Scholars of comparative religion and perennialism
• Individuals interested in sacred cosmology and spiritual ecology
• Critics of modernity in search of philosophical and spiritual alternatives

This volume positions Nasr not just as a key figure in Islamic thought, but as a global philosopher providing enduring insights into the interplay of truth, knowledge, and the sacred.